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SACRED POETRY.
CONSISTING OF PSALMS AND HYMNS, ADAPTED TO CHRISTIAN DEVOTION, IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.
Selected from the best Authors, with variations and additions.
BY JEREMY BELKNAP, D. [...].
PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS.
PRINTED AT THE APOLLO PRESS, IN BOSTON, BY JOSEPH BELKNAP, No. 8, Dock Square,
MDCCXCV.
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PREFACE.
DR. Johnson hath observed concerning devotional poetry, that "the sanctity of the matter rejects the ornaments of figurative diction." Inferior subjects may be heightened by the charms of rhetoric, but this is too sublime to receive any decoration, from human eloquence; and we often debase it by making the attempt.
Dr. WATTS in one of his hymns hath said,
"Join all the names of love and power
That ever men or angels bore;
All are too mean to speak his worth,
Or set Emanuel's glory forth."
Yet, such was the imperfection of one of the best of men, that we frequently find in his divine poems, epithets and allusions taken from "mortal be [...]ties," and applied to the Saviour, with a licen [...]e disgusting to the spirit of devotion. It has been my aim to avoid these familiarites: and either to change or omit such epithets and allusions.
The names of the authors from [...] this selection is made, are subjoined to each psalm or hymn; excepting when they a [...] [...]nknown or have requested concealment. Must [...] these names are familiar to the readers of poetry; but there is one, to whom I am largely indebted for some of the most elegant of these productions, who as [Page iv] but little known in this country and of whom I conceive the following account will be acceptable to every reader.
"ANNE STEELE was the eldest daughter of a dissenting minister at Broughton, in Hamps [...]ire; a man of piety, integrity, benevolence, and the most amiable simplicity of manners. She discovered in early life, her love of the mus [...], and often entertained her friends, with the truly poetical and pious productions of her pen. But [...] h [...] in felicity, as it has been of many of her kindred spirits, to have a capacious soaring mind, inclosed in a very weak and languad body. She lived for the most part, a life of retirement in the same peaceful village where she began and ended her days. The duties of friendship and religion occupied her time; and the pleasures of both constituted her delight. Her heart was apt to feel, often to a degree too painful for her own felicity; but always with the most tender and generous sympathy for her friends. Yet she possessed a native cheerfulness; of which, even the agonizing pains she endured, in the latter part of her life, could not deprive her. In every short interval of abated suffering, she would in a variety of ways, as well as by her enlivening conversation, give pleasure to all around her. Her life was a life of unaffected humility, warm benevolence, sincere friendship and genuine devotion. She waited with christian dignity for the hour of her departure: When it came, she welcomed its approach; and, having taken an affectionate leave of her friends, [Page v] closed her eyes, with these animating words on her lips, "I know that my redeemer liveth."*
It is humbly apprehended, that a grateful and affectionate address to the exalted Saviour of mankind, or a hymn in honour of the Eternal Spirit, cannot be disagreeable to the mind of GOD. To stigmatise such an act of devotion with the name of idolatry, is (to say the least) an abuse of language. It cannot be justly charged with derogating from the glory due to the ONE God and Father of all, because he is the ultimate object of the honour which is given to his Son and to his Spirit.
In this selection those christians, who do not scruple to sing praises to their Redeemer and Sanctifier, will find materials for such a sublime enjoyments whilst others whose tenderness of conscience may oblige them to confine their addresses, to the Father only will find no deficiency of matter suited to their idea of "the chaste and awful spirit of devotion."
BOSTON, May 10, 1795.
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ERRATA.
PAGE 6, line 7, for his vindictive, read, the tempestuous. P. 42, l.11, blissful. P. 61, dele the two first lines. P. 84, l.15, gone. P. 98, l.9. stain. P. 106, l.3, from bottom, finish'd. At the end of the 56th hymn, for T. Gray, read, Doddridge.
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PSALMS.
Psalm I. Common Metre. The Happiness of the Righteous and the Misery of the Wicked.
BLEST is the man who shuns the place,
Where sinners love to meet;
Who fears to tread their wicked ways,
And hates the scoffer's seat.
2
But in the statutes of the Lord
Has plac'd his chief delight;
By day he reads or hears the word,
And meditates by night.
3
He like a tree of generous kind
By living waters set;
Safe from the storm and blasting wind,
Enjoys a peaceful state.
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4Green as the leaf and ever fair
Shall his profession shine;
Whilst fruits of holiness appear
Like clusters on the vine.
5
Not so the impious and unjust,
What vain designs they form!
Their hopes are blown away like dust,
Or chaff before the storm.
6
Sinners in judgment shall not stand
Among the sons of grace;
When Christ the Judge at his right hand
Appoints his saints a place.
7
His eye beholds the path they tread,
His heart approves it well;
But crooked ways of sinners lead,
Down to the gates of hell.
Psalm II. Common Metre. The Exaltation of Christ.
ATTEND, O earth, when God declares
His uncontroul'd decree;
"Thou art my Son, this day, my heir
"Have I begotten thee.
2
"Upon my holy Zion's hill
"My King I thee ordain;
"And tho' thy foes dispute my will
"Thou shalt forever reign▪
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3"Ask and and receive thy full demands,
"Thine shall the heathen be;
"The utmost limits of the lands
"Shall be possess'd by thee.
4
"Thy righteous sceptre thou shall sway
"And all thy foes command;
"Just as the potter breaks the clay
"And moulds it with his hand."
5
Be wise, ye princes, then, give ear,
Ye judges of the Earth;
Worship the Lord with holy fear,
Rejoice with awful mirth.
6
Approach the Son, with due respect,
To him your homage pay;
Lest ye persist in your neglect,
And perish in your way.
7
If but in part his anger rise
Who can endure the flame?
Then blest are they whose hope relies
On his most holy Name.
Psalm II. Short Metre. The Death, Resurrection and glory of Christ.
MAKER, and sovereign Lord
Of Heaven and Earth and Seas,
Thy Providence confirms thy word
And answers thy decrees.
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2The things so long foretold
By David are fulfill'd;
When Jews and Gentiles join'd to say
Jesus thy holy child,
3
Why did the Gentiles rage,
And Jews with one accord,
Unite their counsels to destroy
Th' anointed of the Lord?
4
Rulers and Kings agree
To form a vain design,
Against the Lord they join their powers,
Against his Christ combine.
5
The Lord derides their rage
And will support his throne,
He who hath rais'd him from the dead
Hath own'd him for his Son.
6
He asks and God bestows
A vast inheritance;
Far as the earth's remotest ends
His Kingdom shall advance.
Psalm III. Common Metre. Doubts and Fears suppressed.
MY God how many are my fears!
How fast my foes increase!
Their number how it multiplies!
How fatal to my peace!
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2The lying temtper would persuade
There's no relief from heaven;
And all my swelling sins appear
Too great to be forgiv'n▪
3
But thou, O Lord, art my defence,
On thee my hopes rely;
My sinking spirit thou will raise
And lift my head on high.
4
In former times of deep distress
To God I made my prayer,
He heard me from his holy bill;
Why should I now despair?
5
Guarded by him I lay me down
My sweet repose to take;
For I through him securely sleep
Through him, in safety wake.
6
Salvation to the Lord belongs
His arm alone can save;
Blessings attend thy people here
And reach beyond the grave.
Psalm IV. ver. 6, 7. Common Met. True happiness only in God.
WHEN fancy spreads her boldest wings
And wanders unconfin'd,
Amidst the varied scene of things
Which entertain the mind;
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2In vain we trace creation o'er
In search of sacred rest,
The whole creation is too poor
To make us fully blest.
3
In vain would this low world employ
Each flattering specious wile▪
For what can yield a real joy
But our Creator's smile▪
4
Let earth with all her charms depart,
Unworthy of the mind;
In God alone, our restless heart
An equal bliss can find.
5
Great source of all felicity,
To thee our wishes tend!
Do not these wishes rise from thee
And in thy favour end?
6
Thy favour, Lord, is all we want
Here would our spirit rest
O seal the rich, the boundless grant,
And make us fully blest.
Psalm IV. ver. 8. Long Metre. An Evening Song.
THUS far the Lord has led me on▪
Thus far his power prolongs my days,
And every Evening shall make known
Some fresh memorial of his grace,
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2Much of my time has run to waste
And I perhaps am near my home;
But he forgives my follies past,
And gives me strength for days to come.
3
I lay my body down to sleep
Peace is the pillow for my head;
His ever watchful eye shall keep
Its constant guard around my bed.
4
Faith in his name forbids my fear,
O may thy presence ne'er depart;
And in the morning let me hear
The love and kindness of thy heart.
5
Thus when the night of death shall come,
My flesh shall rest beneath the ground;
And wait thy voice to break the tomb
With glad salvation in the sound.
Psalm V. Common Metre. For the Lord's Day morning,
LORD, in the morning, thou shalt hear
My voice ascending high,
To thee will I address my prayer
To thee direct mine eye.
2
Thou art a God before whose sight,
The wicked shall not stand;
Sinners shall ne'er be thy delight,
Nor dwell at thy right hand.
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3But to thy house will I resort
To taste thy mercies there;
I will frequent thy holy court
And worship in thy fear.
4
O may thy spirit guide my feet,
In ways of truth and grace;
Make every path of duty straight
And plain before my face.
5
The men who love and fear thy name
Shall see their hopes fulfill'd;
The mighty God will compass them
With favour as a shield.
Psalm VI. Common Metre. Prayer in Sickness.
IN anger, Lord, rebuke me not
But spare a wretch [...]orn;
Correct me not in thy fierce wrath,
Too heavy to be borne.
2
Sorrow and pain consume the day,
I waste the night with cries,
Counting the minutes as they pass,
Till the flow morning rise.
3
My tortur'd flesh distracts my mind
And fills my soul with grief;
How long, O Lord, wilt thou delay
To grant me thy relief?
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4The gloomy shades of death cannot
Thy glorious acts proclaim;
No prisoner of the silent grave
Can magnify thy name.
5
He hears when dust and ashes pray
He pities all my groans;
He saves me for his mercy's sake,
And heal [...] my broken bones.
6
The virtue of his sov'reign word
Restores my fainting breath,
To him will I devote that life
Which he has sav'd from death.
Psalm VII. Common Metre. Confidence in God.
MY trust is in my heavenly friend,
My hope in thee, my God;
Rise and my helpless life defend
From those who seek my blood.
2
If malice lurk'd within my heart
Before thy piercing eyes;
I should not dare appeal to thee
Nor ask my God to rise.
3
Impartial judge of all the world,
I trust my cause to thee;
[Page 10]According to my righteousness
So let thy sentence be.
4
Let wicked arts of wicked men
Be wholly overthrown;
But guard the just, O God, to whom
The hearts of both are known.
5
Then will I all the righteous ways
Of Providence proclaim;
I'll sing the praise of God most high
And celebrate his name.
Psalm VIII. Common Metre. Divine Condescension.
O THOU to whom all creatures bow
Within this earthly frame;
Through all the world, how great art thou!
How glorious is thy Name!
2
When Heaven thy glorious work on high
Employs my wond'ring sight;
The moon that nightly rules the sky
With stars of feebler light;
3
Lord, what is man! that thou should'st choose
To keep him in thy mind!
Or what his race, that thou should'st prove
To them so wond'rous kind!
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4Him next in power thou did'st create
To thy celestial train;
Ordain'd with dignity and state
O'er all thy works to reign.
5
They jointly own his powerful sway
The beasts that prey or graze;
The bird that wings its airy way,
The fish that cuts the seas.
6
O thou to whom all creatures bow,
Within this earthly frame,
Thro' all the world, how great art thou,
How glorious is thy name!
Psalm VIII. Long Metre. Adam and Christ, or the old and new Creation.
LORD what was man when made at first,
Adam, the offspring of the dust,
That thou shouldst set him and his race,
But just below an angel's place!
2
That thou shouldst raise his nature so,
And make him Lord of all below;
Make every beast and bird submit
And lay the fishes at his feet!
3
But what sublimer glories wait,
To crown the second Adam's state!
What honours shall thy Son adorn
Who condescended to be born!
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4See him, below his angels made!
See him in dust, among the dead!
To save the world from death and sin,
But he shall reign with power divine.
5
The world to come redeem'd from all
The miseries that attend the fall.
New made and glorious shall submit
At our exalted Saviour's feet.
Psalm IX. ver. 10, 11. Long Metre. Encouragement to Faith.
SING to the Lord, who loud proclaims
His various and his saving names.
O may they not be heard alone,
But by our sure experience known.
2
The great Jehovah be ador'd,
Th' eternal, all sufficient Lord;
Thro' all the world, most high confess'd,
By him 'twas form'd, and is possess'd.
3
Awake, our noblest powers, to bless
The God of Abr'ham, God of peace;
Now, by a dearer title known,
Father and God of Christ his Son.
4
Thro' every age his gracious ear
Is open to his servants' prayer;
Nor can one humble soul complain.
That he has sought his God in vain.
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5What unbelieving heart shall dare,
In whispers to suggest a fear,
While still he owns his ancient name,
The same his power, his love the same.
6
To thee, our souls in faith arise,
To thee we lift expecting eyes,
And boldly thro' the desart tread,
For God will guard, where God shall lead.
Psalm X. Common Metre. A prayer for Deliverance from Oppression.
WHY doth the Lord stand off so far,
And why conceal his face,
When great calamities appear,
And times of deep distress?
2
Lord, shall the wicked still deride,
Thy justice and thy power?
Shall they erect their heads in pride
And better men devour?
3
Arise, O God, lift up thy hand,
Attend our humble cry;
No enemy shall dare to stand
When God our help is nigh.
4
Thou wilt prepare our hearts to pray.
And still incline thine ear;
Thou knowest what thy children say
And thou their voice wilt hear.
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5Proud tyrants shall no more oppress,
No more despise the just:
And mighty sinners shall confess
They are but earth and dust.
Psalm XI. Long Metre. The justice of Divine Providence.
ON God my stedfast hopes rely,
Why do my foes insulting cry,
"Fly like a timorous, trembling dove,
"And seek the mountain's lonesome grove."
2
Behold the wicked aim their darts,
Against the men of upright hearts!
If Government be overthrown,
Who then the injur'd cause will own?
3
The Lord, enthron'd above the sky.
On suffering virtue casts his eye;
Tho' he afflict his saints to prove,
Their patience, and to try their love;
4
Yet lawless hands and hearts impure,
His frowns vindictive will endure;
His lightning wings its rapid way,
His thunder fills them with dismay.
5
Where truth and justice hold their place
God will reveal his gracious face:
Delighted, in the upright mind
His own reflected beams to find.
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Psalm XII. Common Metre. Corruption of Manners.
HELP Lord! for men of virtue [...]ail,
Religion loses ground;
The sons of wickedness prevail
And treacheries abound.
2
Their oaths and promises they break
Yet act the flatterer's part;
With fair deceitful lips they speak
And with a double heart.
3
Scoffers appear on every side,
Where a vile race of men
Are rais'd to seats of power and pride,
And bear the sword in vain.
4
Lord, when iniquities abound,
And blasphemy grows bold;
When faith is hardly to be found,
And love is waxen cold;
5
Is not thy chariot hastening on?
Hast thou not given the sign?
May we not trust and live upon
A promise so divine?
6
Thy word like silver seven times try'd,
Thro' ages shall endure;
The men who in thy truth confide
Shall find the promise sure.
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Psalm XIII. Common Metre. Complaint under Temptation.
HOW long wilt thou conceal thy face
My God, how long delay?
When wil [...] thou send thy heavenly rays
To drive my fears away?
2
How long shall my distressed soul
Struggle and toil in vain?
Thy word can all my foes controul
And ease my raging pain.
3
Be thou my sun, and thou my shield,
My soul in safety keep;
Make haste, before my eyes are seal'd
In death's eternal sleep.
4
How would the tempter boast aloud
If I become his prey,
And all the hosts of hell grow proud
At thy so long delay!
5
But [...]hey shall fly at thy rebuke
And Satan hide his head;
He knows the terrors of thy look
And hears thy voice with dread.
6
Thou wilt display that sovereign grace
On which my hopes have hung;
I shall employ my lips in praise
And victory shall be sung.
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Psalm XIV. Common Metre. Universal Depravity.
FOOLS in their hearts believe and say
"That all religion's vain:
"There is no God that reigns on high
"Or minds th' affairs of men."
2
From thoughts so dreadful and profane
Corrupt discourse proceeds;
And by their impious hands are done
Abominable deeds.
3
The Lord from his celestial throne,
Look'd down on things below;
To find the men that sought his grace
Or did his justice know;
4
He saw that all were gone astray,
Their practice all the same;
That none did fear his maker's hand,
That none did love his name.
5
Their tongues are us'd to speak deceit,
Their slanders never cease,
How swift to mischief are their feet
Nor know the paths of peace!
6
Such seeds of sin, that bitter root
In every heart are found;
Nor will they bear diviner fruit
Till grace refine the ground.
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Psalm XV. Common Metre. The Citizen of Zion.
LORD who's the happy man that may
To thy blest courts repair?
And whilst he bows before thy throne
Shall find acceptance there?
2
'Tis he, whose truly honest heart
By rules of virtue moves;
Whose generous tongue disdains to speak
The thing his heart disproves.
3
Who never will a slander forge
His neighbour's fame to wound,
Nor hearken to a false report
By malice whisper'd round,
4
Who vice, when drest in pomp and power,
Can treat with just neglect;
And piety, tho' cloath'd in rags
Religiously respect.
5
Who to his plighted vows and trust
Has ever firmly stood;
And tho' he promise to his loss,
He makes his promise good.
6
Who seeks not in oppressive ways
His treasure to employ;
Whom no rewards can ever bribe
The guiltless to destroy,
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7The man, who by this steady course
Has happiness insur'd,
When Earth's foundations shake, shall stand,
By Providence secur'd.
Psalm XV. Long Metre. The virtues of a Christian.
WHO shall ascend thy heavenly place
Great God, and dwell before thy face?
The man who loves religion now,
And humbly walks with God below.
2
Whose hands are pure, whose heart is clean,
Whose lips still speak the thing they mean;
No slanders dwell upon his tongue,
He hates to do his neighbour wrong.
3
He will not trust an ill report,
Nor vent it to his neighbour's hurt;
Sinners of state he can despise,
But saints are honour'd in his eyes.
4
Firm to his word, he ever stood,
And always makes his promise good;
Nor will he change the thing he swears
Whatever pain or loss he bears.
5
He never deals in bribing gold,
And mourns that justice should be sold;
If others vex and grind the poor,
Sweet charity attends his door.
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6He loves his enemies and prays
For those who curse him to his face;
And doth to all men still the same.
That he could hope or wish from them.
7
Y [...] when his ho [...]est works are done,
His soul depends on grace alone:
This is the man thy face shall see
And dwell forever, Lord, with thee.
Psalm XVI. First Part. Long Metre. Good works profitable to men.
PRESERVE me Lord, in time of need
For succour to thy throne I flee;
But have no merit there to plead,
My goodness cannot reach to thee.
2
Oft have my heart and tongue confest
How empty and how poor I am;
My praise can never make thee blest,
Nor add new glory to thy name.
3
Yet, Lord, thy saints on earth may reap
Some profit by the good I do;
These are the company I keep,
These are the choicest friends I know.
4
Let others choose the sons of mirth
To give a relish to their wine;
I love the men of heavenly birth
Whose works and language are divine.
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Psalm XVI. Second Part. Common Met. The blessings of Nature and Grace.
LET Heathens to their idols haste
And worship wood or stone,
But my delightful lot is cast
Where the true God is known.
2
In this enlighten'd, pleasant land,
My happy portion lies;
Where nature's ever bounteous hand
All human want supplies.
3
Therefore my soul shall bless the Lord,
Whose precepts give me light,
And consolation still afford
In sorrows dismal night.
4
I strive each action to approve
To thine all-seeing eye;
No danger shall my hope remove,
For thou art ever nigh.
5
Thou shalt the paths of life display,
Which to thy presence lead;
Where pleasures dwell without allay,
And joys which never fade.
Psalm XVI. Third Part. Com. Met. The Death and Resurrection of Christ.
I SET the Lord before my face,
He bears my courage up;
My heart and tongue their joys express
My flesh shall rest in hope.
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2"My spirit, Lord, thou wilt not leave
Where souls departed are;
Nor quit my body to the grave,
To see corruption there.
3
"Thou wilt reveal the path of life
And raise me to thy throne;
Thy courts immortal pleasure give,
Thy presence, joys unknown."
4
Thus in the name of Christ the Lord,
The holy David sung;
And Providence fulfils the word
Of his prophetic tongue.
5
Jesus, whom every saint adores,
Was crucify'd and slain;
Behold the tomb its prey restores,
Behold he lives again.
6
When shall my feet arise and stand
On heavn's eternal hills?
There sits the Son at God's right hand,
And there the Father smiles.
Psalm XVII. Common Metre. The transforming vision of God.
MY God the visits of thy face
Afford superior joy,
To all the flattering world can give
Or mortal hopes employ.
[Page 23]
2But clouds and darkness intervene,
My brightest joys decline;
And earth's gay trifles oft ensnare
This wandering heart of mine.
3
Lord, guide this wandering heart to thee,
Unsatisfy'd I stray;
Break through the shades of sense and sin
With thy enlivening ray.
4
O let thy beams resplendent shine
And every cloud remove;
Transform my powers and fit my soul
For happier scenes above.
5
Lord raise my faith, my hope, my heart,
To those transporting joys;
Then shall I scorn each little snare,
Which this vain world employs.
6
Then, tho' I sink in death's cold sleep,
To life I shall awake;
And in the likeness of my God,
Of heavenly bliss partake.
Psalm XVII. Long Metre. The Resurrection.
WHAT sinners value I resign,
Lord 'tis enough that thou art mine;
I shall behold thy blissful face;
And stand complete in righteousness.
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2This life's a dream, an empty sh [...]w;
But the bright world to which I go,
Hath joys substantial and sincere;
When shall I wake and find me there▪
3
O glorious hour, O blest abode!
I shall be near and like my God,
And flesh and sense no more controu [...]
The sacred pleasures of the soul.
4
My flesh shall slumber in the ground
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound;
Then burst the chains with glad surprize
And in my Saviour's image rise.
Psalm XVIII. First Part. Long Met. Confidence in divine Protection.
NO change of times shall ever shock
My firm affection, Lord, to thee;
For thou hast always been a rock,
A fortress and defence to me.
2
Thou my deliverer art, my God,
My trust is in thy mighty power;
Thou art my shield from foes abroad,
At home, my safe-guard and my tower.
3
To heaven I made my mournful prayer,
To God address'd my humble cry;
Who graciously inclin'd his ear,
And heard me from his throne on high.
[Page 25]
4The Lord did on my side engage,
From heaven, my righteous cause upheld;
And sav'd me from the furious rage
Of threat'ning waves that proudly swell'd.
5
Thou to the just shall justice show
The pure, thy purity shall see;
Such as perversly choose to go
Shall meet with due returns from thee.
6
Who then deserves to be ador'd
But God, on whom my hopes depend?
Or who except the mighty Lord
Can with resistless power defend?
Psalm XVIII. Second Part. Long Met. God executing judgment on his Enemies.
INCUMBENT on the bending sky,
The Lord descended from on high;
And bade the darkness of the pole
Beneath his feet tremendous roll.
2
Thick woven clouds around him clos'd
His secret residence compos'd;
And waters, high suspended spread,
Their dark pavilion o'er his head.
3
His voice the Almighty Monarch rear'd,
Though heaven's high vault in thunder heard▪
And down in fiercer conflict came
Tremendous hail and mingled flame.
[Page 26]
4With aim direct▪ his shafts were sped,
In vain his foes before them fled;
Around, his dreadful light'nings stray
And sure destruction marks their way.
5
Earth's basis, open to the eye
And ocean' [...] [...]prings were seen to lie;
As his vindictive fury past
And o'er them rag'd the dreadful blast.
Psalm XVIII. Third Part. Long Met. Sincerity proved or the equity of Providence.
LORD thou hast seen my soul sincere
Hast made thy truth and love appear;
Before my eyes I set thy laws,
And thou hast own'd my righteous cause.
2
Since I have learn'd thy holy ways
My actions have proclaim'd thy praise;
Or if my feet did e'er depart,
'Twas never with a wicked heart.
3
What sore temptations broke my rest!
What wars and strugglings in my breast!
But thro' thy grace that reigns within,
I hope to conquer every sin.
4
With an impartial hand, the Lord
Deals out to mortals their reward;
The kind and faithful souls shall find,
A God more faithful and more kind.
[Page 27]
5The just and pure shall ever say
God is more pure and just than they;
And men that love revenge shall know
God hath an arm of vengeance too.
Psalm XVIII. Fourth Part. Com. Met. Thansgiving for victory.
TO thine almighty arm we owe
The triumph of the day,
Thy terrors, Lord, confound the foe
And melt their strength away.
2
Tis by thine aid, our troops prevail
And break united powers,
By thee their lofty walls we scale,
Or burn their proudest towers.
3
God speaks and at his fierce rebuke
Whole armies are dismay'd;
His voice, his frown, his angry look
Strike all their courage dead.
4
He forms our soldiers for the field
With all their martial skill;
Instructs their hand the sword to wield
And gives them hearts of steel.
5
The Lord our Saviour ever lives
His name be ever blest;
His powerful arm the victory gives
And gives his people rest.
[Page 28]
Psalm XIX. First Part. Com. Met. The voice of Nature proclaiming God.
THE heavens declare thy glory, Lord,
Which that alone can fill;
The firmament and stars express
Their great Creator's skill.
2
The dawn of each returning day
Fresh beams of knowledge brings;
And from the dark returns of night
Divine instruction springs.
3
Their powerful language to no realm
Or region is confin'd;
'Tis nature's voice, and understood
Alike by all mankind.
4
Their doctrine does its sacred sense
Thro' earth's extent display,
Whose bright contents the circling sun
Does round the world convey.
5
No bridegroom, on his nuptial day▪
Has such a cheerful face;
No giant does like him rejoice
To run his glorious race.
6
From east to west, from west to east
His restless course he goes,
And thro' his progress, cheerful light,
And vital warmth bestows.
[Page 29]
Psalm XIX. Second Part. Com. Met. The Ex [...]l [...]ency of Scripture.
GOD's perfect law converts the soul,
Reclaims from false desires;
With sacred wisdom his sure word
The ignorant inspires.
2
The statutes of the Lord are just
And bring sincere delight;
His pure commands in search of truth
Assist the feeblest sight.
3
His perfect worship here is fix'd
On sure foundations laid;
His equal laws are in the scales
Of truth and justice weigh'd.
4
Of more esteem than golden mines,
Or gold refin'd with skill;
More sweet than honey or the drops,
Which from the comb distil.
5
My trusty counsellors they are,
And friendly warning give;
Divine rewards attend on those
Who by thy precepts live.
6
But what frail man observes how oft
He does from virtue fall?
O cleanse me from my secret faults
Thou God who know'st them all.
[Page 30]
Psalm XIX. Long Metre. Nature and Scripture compared.
THE heavens declare thy glory, Lord,
In every star thy wisdom shines;
But when our eyes behold thy word,
We read thy name in fairer lines.
2
The rolling sun, the changing light
And nights and days thy power confess;
But the blest volume thou hast writ
Reveals thy justice and thy grace.
3
Sun, moon and stars convey thy praise
Thro' the whole earth and never stand▪
So when thy truth begun its race
It touch'd and glanc'd on every land.
4
Nor shall thy spreading gospel rest,
Till thro' the world thy truth has run;
Till Christ hath all the nations blest
That see the light or feel the sun.
5
Great sun of righteousness, arise.
Bless the dark world with heavenly light,
Thy gospel makes the simple wise
Thy laws are pure, thy judgments right.
6
Thy noblest wonders here we view
In souls renew'd and sins forgiven;
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew
And make thy word my guide to heaven.
[Page 31]
Psalm XIX. Six Line Long Metre.
GREAT God, the heaven's well order'd frame
Declares the glory of thy name;
Here thy rich works of wonder shine;
A thousand starry beauties there,
A thousand radiant marks appear
Of boundless power and skill divine.
2
From night to day, from day to night,
The dawning and the dying light
Lectures of heavenly wisdom read;
With silent eloquence, they raise
Our thoughts to our Creator's praise,
And neither sound nor language need.
3
Yet their divine instructions run
Far as the circuit of the sun,
And every Nation knows their voice;
Where'er he spreads his beams abroad
He publishes his maker God▪
Rolls round and makes the earth rejoice.
4
But when we read thy written word
What light and joy those leaves afford!
These are our study and delight:
Not honey so invites the taste,
Nor gold that hath the furnace past,
Appears so pleasing to the sight.
5
From the discoveries of thy law
The perfect rules of life we draw;
[Page 32]But 'tis thy blessed gospel, Lord,
Which makes our guilty conscience clean,
Converts our soul, subdues our sin,
And gives a free but large reward.
6
Who knows the errors of his thoughts!
Forgive, O Lord, our secret faults,
And from presumptuous sins restrain:
Accept the tribute of our praise,
That we have read thy book of grace,
And book of nature, not in vain.
Psalm XIX. Short Metre. For the Lord's Day morning.
BEHOLD the morning sun
Begins his glorious way,
His beams thro' all the nations run,
And life and light convey.
2
But where the gospel comes
It spreads diviner light;
It calls dead sinners from their tombs
And gives the blind their sight.
3
How perfect is thy word!
And all thy judgments just!
Forever sure thy promise, Lord,
And we securely trust.
[Page 33]
4My gracious God how plain
Are thy directions given!
O may I never read in vain
But find the path to heaven!
5
I hear thy word with love,
O help me to obey;
Send thy good spirit from above,
To guide me lest I stray.
6
Whilst with my heart and tongue
I spread thy praise abroad;
Accept the worship and the song
My Saviour and my God.
Psalm XX. Long Metre. For a Day of Prayer in War.
NOW may the God of power and grace
Attend his people's humble cry;
Jehovah hears when Israel prays,
And sends deliverance from on high,
2
The name of Jacob's God defends,
Better than shields or brazen walls;
He from his sanctuary sends,
Succour and strength when Zion calls.
3
Well he remembers all our sighs
His love exceeds our best deserts;
His love accepts the sacrifice,
Of humble groans and broken hearts.
[Page 34]
4In his salvation is our hope,
And in the name of God, the Lord,
Our troops shall lift their banners up,
Our ships shall spread their flags abroad.
5
Some trust in horses train'd for war
And some in chariots make their boast;
Our surest expectations are
From thee, the Lord of heavenly hosts.
6
Save us, O Lord, from guilty fear,
And let our hopes be firm and strong;
Till thy salvation shall appear,
And joy and triumph raise the song.
Psalm XXI. Long Metre. The exaltation of Christ.
DAVID rejoic'd in God his strength
Rais'd to the throne by special grace;
But Christ the Son appears at length
Fulfils the triumph and the praise.
2
How great is the Messiah's joy
In the Salvation of thy hand!
Lord, thou hast rais'd his kingdom high,
And given the world to his command.
3
Thy goodness grants whate'er he will,
Nor doth the least request withhold;
Blessings of love prevent him still,
And crowns of glory, not of gold.
[Page 35]
4Honour and majesty divine
Around his sacred temples shine;
Blest with the favour of thy face
And length of everlasting days.
Psalm XXII. First Part. Com. Met. The sufferings and glory of Christ.
"NOW in the hour, of deep distress,
My God, support thy SON,
When horrors dark my soul oppress,
O leave me not alone!"
2
Thus did our suffering Saviour pray
With mighty cries and tears;
God heard him in that dreadful day
And chas'd away his fears.
3
Great was the victory of his death,
His throne exalted stands;
And all the nations of the earth
Shall bow to his commands.
4
A numerous offspring shall reward
The Saviour's dying groans;
"I call them, saith the glorious Lord
My Daughters and my sons."
5
The meek and humble souls shall see
His table richly spread;
And all that seek the Lord shall be
With joys immortal sed.
[Page 36]
Psalm XXII. Second Part. Long Met. Christ's death and resurrection.
NOW let our mournful songs record
The dying sorrows of our Lord:
When he complain'd in tears and blood
Like one forsaken of his God.
2
The Jews beheld him thus forlorn
And shook their heads and laugh'd in scorn,
"He rescu'd others from the grave,
"Now let him try, himself to save."
3
"Behold the man who did pretend
"God was his father and his friend;
"If God the blessed lov'd him so,
"Why doth he fail to help him now?"
4
O hardened people! cruel priests!
How they stood round like savage beasts!
Like lions gaping to devour,
When God had put him in their power!
5
They wound his head, his hands, his feet,
Till streams of blood each other meet;
By lot his garments they divide,
And mock the pangs in which he died.
6
But God his father heard his cry;
Rais'd from the dead he reigns on high;
The nations learn his righteousness,
And humble sinners taste his grace.
[Page 37]
Psalm XXII. Third Part. Com. Met. Obedience to God due from all men.
LET all the various tribes of men
To God their homage pay▪
And distant nations of the earth,
One sovereign Lord obey.
'Tis his prerogative supreme
O'er subject kings to reign,
'Tis just that he should rule the world
Who does the world sustain.
3
The rich whom he with plenty feeds
His goodness shall confess;
The sons of want whom he relieves
Their bounteous patron bless.
4
With humble confidence to God
Let all for aid repair;
For he who first their beings gave
Will make them still his care.
5
Blest time! when all of human birth
Devoted to his name▪
Shall to their heirs, his sacred truth
And glorious acts proclaim.
Psalm XXIII. Common Metre. God's tender care of his people.
THE Lord himself the mighty Lord
Is pleas'd to be my guide;
The shepherd by whose constant care
My wants are all supply'd.
[Page 38]
2In tender grass he makes me feed,
And gently there repose;
Then leads me to cool shades and where
Refreshing water flows.
3
He does my wandering feet reclaim
And to his endless praise,
Instruct with humble zeal to walk
In his most righteous ways.
4
I'll pass the gloomy vale of death,
From fear and danger, free;
For there his aiding rod and staff
Defend and comfort me.
5
With liberal and unceasing care,
He does my table spread;
He crowns my cup with cheerful wine,
With oil anoints my head.
6
Since God doth thus his wondrous love
Through all my life extend,
That life to him I will devote,
And in his temple spend.
Psalm XXIII. Short Metre. God's tender Care of his People.
THE Lord my shepherd is,
I shall be well supply'd;
Since he is mine and I am his
What can I want beside?
[Page 39]
2He leads me to the place
Where heavenly pasture grows;
Where living waters gently pass
And full salvation flows.
3
If e'er I go astray
He doth my soul reclaim;
And guides me in his own right way
For his most holy name.
4
Whilst he affords his aid
I cannot yield to fear;
Though I should walk thro' death's dark shade
My God is with me there.
5
In sight of all my foes
He does my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows
And joy exalts my head.
6
The bounties of his love
Shall crown my future days,
Nor from his house will I remove
Nor cease to speak his praise.
Psalm XXIII. Six Line-Long Metre. God our Shepherd.
THE Lord my pasture shall prepare
And feed me with a shepherd's care;
His presence shall my wants supply
And guard me with a watchful eye.
[Page 40]My noon day walks he shall attend
And all my midnight hours defend.
2
When in the sultry glebe I faint
Or on the thirsty mountain pant;
To fertile vales and dewy meads
My weary, wandring steps he leads;
Where peaceful rivers soft and slow
Amidst the verdant lands [...]ips flow.
3
Though in a bare and rugged way
Thro' devious, lonely wilds I stray,
His bounty shall my pains beguile,
The barren wilderness shall smile;
With lively greens and herbage crown'd
And streams shall murmur all around.
4
Tho' in the paths of death I tread
With gloomy horrors overspread,
My steadfast heart shall fear no ill,
For thou O Lord art with me still;
Thy friendly staff shall give me aid
And guide me thro' the dismal shade.
Psalm XXIV. Common Metre. The man whom God approves.
THIS spacious earth is all the Lord's,
The Lord's her fulness is;
The world and they who dwell therein▪
By sovereign right are his.
[Page 41]
2He fix'd the land and spread the seas,
With all which they contain:
Then man in his own image form'd,
O'er all these works to reign.
3
But for himself, this Lord of all
One chosen seat design'd:
O who shall to that sacred hill,
Desir'd admittance find?
4
The man whose hands and heart are pure
Whose thoughts from pride are free;
Who honest poverty prefers
To gainful perjury.
5
This is the man on whom the Lord
Shall shower his blessings down;
Whom God his Saviour shall be pleas'd,
With righteousness to crown.
6
Such is the character of those
Who seek the face of God;
Whose happy feet shall stand within
The place of his abode.
Psalm XXIV. Long Metre. Heaven the residence of Saints, and the ascension of Christ.
THIS spacious earth is all the Lord's
And men and worms and beasts and birds,
He rais'd the building on the seas
And gave it for their dwelling place.
[Page 42]
2But there's a brighter world on high
Thy palace, Lord, above the sky,
Who shall ascend that blest abode
And dwell so near his maker God?
3
He who abhors and fears to sin,
Whose heart is pure, whose hands are clean,
Him shall the Lord, the saviour bless
And clothe his soul with righteousness.
4
These are the men, the pious race
Who seek the God of Jacob's face;
These shall enjoy the lissful sight,
And dwell in everlasting light.
5
Rejoice ye shining worlds on high
Behold the king of glory nigh,
Who can this king of glory be?
The mighty Lord, the Saviour's he.
6
Ye heavenly gates, your leaves display
To make the Lord, the Saviour way;
Laden with spoils from earth and hell,
The conqueror comes, with God to dwell.
7
Rais'd from the dead, he goes before,
He opens heaven's eternal door,
To give his saints a blest abode
With their redeemer and their God.
Psalm XXV. Short Metre. Seeking divine forgiveness and direction.
TO God I lift my eyes
My trust is in his name,
[Page 43]And they whose hope on him relies
Shall never suffer shame.
2
From the first dawning light
Till the dark evening's shade,
For thy salvation, Lord, I wait
And ask thy heavenly aid.
3
Remember all thy grace
And lead me in thy truth;
Forgive the sins of riper age
And follies of my youth.
4
Thro' all the ways of God,
Both truth and mercy shine,
To those who with religious hearts
To his blest will incline.
5
He those in safety guides
Who his direction seek,
And in his sacred paths will lead
The humble and the meek.
6
For thy own goodness sake,
Save thou, my soul from shame;
And pardon all my sins, tho' great,
Thro my Redeemer's name.
Psalm XXVI. Long Metre. Self examination.
JUDGE me, O God, and prove my ways,
And try my reins and try my heart;
My faith upon thy promise stays,
Nor from thy word my feet depart.
[Page 44]
2I hate to walk, I hate to sit,
With men of vanity and lies;
The scoffer and the hypocrite,
In my esteem, shall never rise.
3
In innocence I'll wash my hands,
From pride and guilt and folly clear;
Then at thy sacred altar stand,
And hope to find acceptance there.
4
I love thy habitation, Lord,
The temple where thy honours dwell;
There shall I hear thy holy word,
And there thy works of wonder tell.
5
Let not my soul be join'd at last,
With men of treachery and blood;
Since I my days on earth have past,
Among the saints and near my God.
Psalm XXVII. Common Metre. The church is our safety and delight.
THE Lord of glory is my light,
And my salvation too;
God is my strength, nor will I fear
What mortal flesh can do.
2
One privilege my heart desires,
O grant me an abode,
Among the churches of thy saints,
The temples of my God.
[Page 45]
3There shall I offer my requests,
And see thy glory still;
Shall hear thy messages of love,
And learn thy holy will.
4
When troubles rise and storms appear,
There may his children hide▪
God has a strong pavilion, where
He makes my soul abide.
5
Should friends and kindred near and dear,
Leave me to want or die;
My God would make my life his care,
And all my need supply.
6
Wait on the Lord, ye trembling saints,
And keep your courage up;
He'll raise your spirit when it saints
And elevate your hope▪
Psalm XXVII. Long Metre. The safety of trusting in God.
THE Lord, my saviour, is my light,
What terrors can my soul affright?
Whilst God, my strength, my life, is near,
What mortal shall alarm my fear?
2
Should numerous hosts besiege me round,
My courage shall maintain its ground;
Tho' war should rise in dread array,
God is my strength, my hope my stay.
[Page 46]
3This only bliss my heart desires,
To this my ardent wish aspires;
In God's own house to spend my days,
To hear his word, and speak his praise.
4
When troubles rise, my guardian God·
Will hide me safe in his abode;
Firm as a rock, my hope shall stand,
Sustain'd by his almighty hand.
5
Should every earthly friend depart,
Should love forsake a pa [...]ent's heart;
The God on whom my hopes depend,
Will be my father and my friend.
6
Ye humble souls, in every strait,
On God, with faith and patience wait;
His hand shall life and strength afford;
Wait therefore ever on the Lord.
Psalm XXVIII. Common Metre. The humble suppliant trusting in God.
O LORD, my rock, to thee I cry,
In sighs consume my breath;
Hear me, O Lord or I shall be
Like those who sleep in death.
2
Regard my supplication, Lord,
The cries that I repeat,
With weeping eyes and lifted hands
Before thy mercy seat.
[Page 47]
3If wicked men thy works despise,
Nor will thy grace adore;
Thy justice shall avenge the cause
And build them up no more.
4
But I, with gratitude inspir'd,
Thy praises will resound;
From whom, the cries of my distress
A gracious answer found.
5
As thou hast fill'd my heart with joy,
'Tis just that I should raise
The cheerful tribute of my thanks,
And celebrate thy praise.
6
Preserve thy people Lord, and d [...]g [...],
Thy heritage to bless;
Crown them with plenty and with peace,
With honour and success.
Psalm XXIX. Long Metre. The majesty of God in [...]nder.
GIVE to the Lord, ye sons of fame,
Give to the Lord renown and power;
Ascribe due honours to his name,
And his eternal might adore.
2
The Lord proclaims his power aloud
O'er the vast ocean, and the land;
His voice dissolves the watery cloud,
And lightnings bla [...]e at his command.
[Page 48]
3When he, from heaven, in thunder speaks,
With majesty and terror crown'd;
His voice the stately cedar breaks,
And throws its scatter'd limbs around.
4
His voice divides the flames of fire,
And forked streaks of lightning sends
The mountain trembles at his ire,
The lofty forest lowly bends.
5
His lightning rends the firmest rock,
And pierces deep the solid ground;
The hinds affrighted feel the shock,
And shudder at the awful sound.
6
The Lord sits sovereign on the flood,
The Thunderer reigns for ever king;
But makes his church, his blest abode
Where we his praise securely sing.
7
In gentler language, here the Lord
The counsels of his grace imparts;
Amidst the raging storm, his word
Speaks peace and comfort to our hearts.
Psalm XXX. Common Metre. Prayer heard.
BENEATH my God's protecting arm.
How did my soul rejoice!
And fondly hop'd no future harm
Would interrupt my joys.
[Page 49]
2Lord, 'twas thy favour fix'd my rest;
Thy shining face withdrew,
Then troubles fill'd my anxious breast,
And pain'd my soul anew.
3
Again to thee, O gracious God,
I rais'd my mournful eyes;
To thee I spread my woes abroad,
With supplicating cries.
4
What glory can my death afford?
In the dark grave confin'd?
Shall senseless dust adore the Lord,
Or call thy truth to mind?
5
Hear, O my God, in mercy hear,
Attend my plaintive cry;
Be thou my gracious helper near,
And bid my sorrows fly.
6
Again, I hear the voice divine;
New joys exulting bound;
My robes of mourning I resign,
And gladness girds me round.
7
Then let my utmost glory be
To raise thy honours high,
Nor let my gratitude to thee
In guilty silence die.
8
To thee, my gracious God, I raise
My thankful heart and tongue;
O be thy goodness and thy praise,
My everlasting song.
[Page 50]
Psalm XXX. Long Metre. Recovery from sickness.
FIRM was my health, my day was bright,
And I presum'd 'twould ne'er be night;
Fondly I said within my heart,
"Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart."
2
But I forgot thine arm was strong,
Which made my mountain stand so long;
Soon as thy face began to hide,
My health was gone, my comfort dy'd.
3
Corrected by a Father's rod,
I cry'd aloud to thee, my God;
"If laid in dust, can I declare,
"Thy truth, or sing thy goodness there?
4
"Hear me, O God of grace" I said
"And bring me from among the dead;"
Thy word rebuk'd the pains I felt,
Thy pardoning love remov'd my guilt.
5
My sad complaints in praises end,
And tears of gratitude descend,
I throw my sackcloth on the ground,
And ease and gladness gird me round.
6
My tongue, the glory of my frame
Thy power and goodness shall proclaim;
Thy praise shall sound thro' earth and heav'n
For sickness heal'd and sins forgiven.
[Page 51]
Psalm XXXI. Common Metre. Relief from distress.
COME, O ye Saints, your voices raise,
To God in grateful songs;
And let the memory of his grace
Inspire your your heart and tongues.
2
His Town, what mortal can sustain?
But soon his anger dies,
His life-restoring smile again
Returns, and sorrow flies.
3
Her deepest gloom, when sorrow spreads,
And light and hope depart,
His face, celestial morning sheds
And joy revives the heart.
4
To thee, my God, oppress'd with grief,
I breath'd my humble cry;
Thy mercy brought divine relief,
And wip'd my weeping eye.
5
Thy mercy chas'd the shades of death,
And snatch'd me from the grave;
O may thy praise employ that breath,
Which mercy deigns to save.
Psalm XXXI. Long Metre. Confidence in God.
LORD, in thy great, thy glorious name,
I place my hope, my only trust;
[Page 52]Save me from sorrow, guilt and shame,
Thou, ever gracious, ever just.
Thou art my Rock, thy name alone,
The fortress where my hopes retreat;
O make thy power and mercy known,
To safety guide my wandering feet.
3
To thy kind hand, all gracious Lord,
My soul I cheerfully resign;
My saviour God, I trust thy word,
For truth, immortal truth is thine.
4
I hate their works, I hate their ways,
Who follow vanity and Pes [...];
But to the Lord my hopes Praise,
And trust his power, who built the skies.
5
What perfect bliss, O bounteous Lord,
Immensely great, divinely free,
Hast thou reserv'd for their reward,
Who fear thy name and trust in thee!
6
Blest be the Lord, for ever blest,
Whose mercy bids my fear remove;
The sacred walls which guard my rest,
Are his almighty power and love,
7
Ye humble souls, who seek his face,
Let sacred courage fill your heart!
Hope in the Lord and trust his grace.
And he will heavenly strength impart.
[Page 53]
Psalm XXXII. Long Metre. The marks of true Repentance.
HE's blest whose sins have pardon gain'd,
No more in judgment to appear;
Whose guilt remission has obtain'd,
And whose repentance is sincere.
2
From guile his heart and lips are free;
His humble joy, his holy fear
With deep repentance well agree,
And join to prove his faith si [...]re.
3
Whilst I kept silence and conceal'd
My load of guilt within my heart;
What tormen [...] [...]nd my conscience feel!
What agon [...] of inward smart!
4
Heavy on me thy hand remain'd,
By day and night [...] distre [...]
Till quite of vital moisture drain'd,
Like land with summer drought oppress'd.
5
No sooner I my wound disclos'd,
The guilt that tortur'd me within;
But thy forgivness interpos'd,
And mercy's healing balm pour'd in.
6
For this display of sovereign grace,
In my distress so freely given;
Each humble soul will seek thy face,
And find his way to peace and heaven.
[Page 54]
Psalm XXXII. Short Met [...]. Confession and Pardon
O BLESSED souls are they,
Whose sins are cover'd o'er,
Divinely blest, to whom the Lord
Imputes their guilt no more!
2
They mourn their follies past,
And keep their hearts with care;
Their lips and lives, without deceit,
Shall prove their faith sincere.
3
When I conceal'd my guilt,
I felt the festering wound;
But I confess'd my sin to thee,
And ready pardon found.
4
Let sinners learn to pray,
Let saints keep near the throne,
Our help, in time of deep distress,
Is found in God alone▪
Psalm XXXIII. Common Metre. The works of Creation and Providence.
REJOICE, ye righteous in the Lord,
This work belongs to you;
Sing of his name, his ways, his word,
How holy just and true!
2
His mercy and his righteouness,
Let heaven and earth proclaim;
[Page 55]His works of nature and of grace,
Reveal his wond'rous name,
3
His wisdom and almighty word
The heavenly orbits spread;
And by the spirit of the Lord,
Their shining hosts were made.
4
He bade the liquid waters flow,
To their appointed deep;
The flowing seas their limits know,
And their own station keep.
5
Ye [...]en [...] of the spacious earth,
With [...], before him stand;
He spoke▪ and nature took its birth,
And rests on his command.
6
He scor [...]s the an [...]y nations rage,
And break [...] [...] [...]ain designs,
His counsel stands [...]o' every age,
And in full glory [...]in [...]s.
Psalm XXXIII. Six Line-Long Metre. Creatures vain are God all sufficient.
HAPPY the Nation, where the Lord
Reveals the treasure of his word,
And builds his Church, his earthly throne;
His eye the heathen world surveys,
He form'd their hearts, he knows their ways,
But God their Maker is unknown.
[Page 56]
2Let kings rely upon their host,
And of his strength, the warrior boast,
In vain they boast, in vain rely;
In vain they trust the brutal force,
Or speed, or courage of the horse,
To guard his rider, or to fly.
3
The eye of thy compassion, Lord,
Doth more secure defence afford,
When death and danger threatning stand;
Thy watchful eye preserves the just,
Who make thy name their fear and trust;
When wars or famine waste the Land.
4
In sickness, or the bloody field,
Thou our Physician, thou our shield,
Send us salvation from thy throne;
We wait to see thy goodness shine,
Let us rejoice in help divine,
For all our hope is God alone.
Psalm XXXIV. First Part. Com. [...] Encouragement to trust and love God.
THRO' all the changing scenes of lif [...],
In trouble and in joy;
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.
2
Of his deliv'rance I will boast,
Till all who are distress'd,
[Page 57]From my example comfort take,
And charm their griefs to rest.
3
The hosts of God encamp around,
The dwellings of the just:
Protection he affords to all,
Who make his name their trust.
4
O make but trial of his love,
Experience will decide;
How blest are they, and only they
Who in his truth confide.
5
Fear him, ye saints and you will then
Have nothing else to fear:
Make you his service your delight,
Your wants shall be his care.
6
Whilst hungry lion [...] lack their prey,
The Lord will food provide,
For [...] put their trust in him;
And [...] their wants supply'd.
Psalm XXXIV. Sec. Part. Com. Met. The way of holiness and its reward.
APPROACH, ye piously dispos'd,
And my instruction hear;
I'll teach you the true discipline,
Of God's religious fear.
2
Let him who length of life desires,
And prosperous days would see;
[Page 58]From sland'ring language keep his tongue,
His lips from falshood free.
3
The crooked paths of vice decline,
And virtue's ways pursue;
Establish peace, where 'tis begun,
And where 'tis lost renew.
4
The Lord from heaven beho [...] the just,
With favourable eyes;
And when distress'd, his gracio [...]
Is open to their cries.
5
Deliverance to his saints he gives,
When his relief they crave;
He's nigh to heal the broken heart▪
The contrite spirit save.
Psalm XXXV. ver. 12.13.14. Com. Met. Love to Enemies.
BEHOLD the love, the generous love,
Which holy David sh [...]ws!
Hark, how his tender pity moves,
To his afflicted foes!
2
When they are sick, his soul complains,
And seems to feel the smart;
The spirit of the Gospel reigns,
And melts his pious heart.
3
How did his flowing tears condole,
As for a brother dead!
[Page 59]And fasting, mortify'd his soul,
Whilst for their life he pray'd!
4
They groan and curse him on their bed;
Yet still he pleads and mourns;
And double blessings on his head,
The righteous God returns.
5
O glorious type of heavenly grace!
Thus Christ, the Lord appears;
Whilst sinners curse, the saviour prays,
And pities them with tears,
6
He, the true David, Israel's King,
Bless'd and belov'd of God,
To save our souls from death and sin,
Shed his own precious blood.
Psalm XXXVI. First Versi. Long Met. The Perfections and Providence of God.
THY mercy, Lord, my only hope,
The highest orb of heaven transcends;
Thy sacred truth's unmeasur'd scope
Above the spreading skies extends.
2
Thy justice, like the hills remains,
Unfathom'd depths thy judgments are;
Thy providence the world sustains,
The whole creation is thy care.
3
Since, of thy goodness, all partake,
With what assurance should the just,
[Page 60]Thy sheltering wings their refuge make,
And saints to thy protection trust.
4
Such guests shall to thy courts be led,
To banquet on thy love's repast;
And drink, as from the fountain head,
Of joys that shall for ever last.
5
Then let thy saints thy favour gain,
To upright hearts thy truth display;
With thee, the springs of life remain,
Thy presence is eternal day.
Psalm XXXVI. Sec. Versi. Long Me [...] The divine being and perfections.
HIGH in the heavens, eternal God,
Thy goodness in full glory shines;
Thy truth shall break thro' every cloud,
Which veils and darkens thy designs.
2
Forever firm thy justice stands,
As mountains their foundations keep;
Wise are the wonders of thy hands,
Thy judgments are a mighty deep.
3
Thy providence is kind and large,
Both men and beasts thy bounty share;
The whole creation is thy charge,
But saints are thy peculiar care.
4
Oh God, how excellent thy grace,
Whence all our hope and comfort springs
[Page 61]
4Oh God, how excellent thy grace,
Whence all our hope and comfort springs!
The Sons of Adam, in distress,
Fly to the shadow of thy wings.
5
From the Provisions of thy house,
We shall be fed with rich repast;
There mercy like a river flows,
And brings Salvation to our taste.
6
Life, like a fountain full and free,
Springs from the presence of the Lord;
And in thy light, our souls shall see,
The glories promis'd in thy word.
Psalm XXXVII. First Part. Com. Met. The cure of Envy and Unbelief.
WHY should I vex my soul and fret,
To see the wicked rise?
Or envy sinners waxing great,
By violence and lies!
2
As flowery grass, cut down at noon,
Before the evening fades,
So shall their glory vanish soon,
In everlasting shades.
3
Then let me make the Lord my trust,
And practise all that's good;
So shall I dwell among the just,
And never want for food.
[Page 62]
4I, to my God, my ways commit,
And cheerful wait his will;
Thy hand, which guides my doubtful feet,
Shall my desires fulfil.
5
Mine innocence shalt thou display,
And make thy judgments known;
Fair as the light of dawning day,
And glorious as the noon.
6
The meek shall still the earth possess,
And be the heirs of heaven;
True riches, in abundant peace,
To humble souls are given.
Psalm XXXVII. Sec. Part. Com. Met. Religion in words and deeds.
WHY do the wealthy wicked boast,
And grow profanely bold?
The meanest portion of the just
Excels the sinner's gold.
2
The wicked borrows of his friends,
But ne'er designs to pay;
The just is merciful and lends,
Nor turns the poor away.
3
His alms, with liberal hand, he gives,
To all the sons of need;
His memory to long ages lives,
And blessed is his seed.
[Page 63]
4His lips abhor to speak profane,
To slander or defraud;
His ready tongue declares to men,
What he has learn'd of God.
5
The law and gospel of the Lord
Deep in his heart abide;
Led by the spirit and the word,
His feet shall never slide.
6
When sinners fall, the righteous stand,
Preserv'd from every snare;
They shall possess the promis'd land,
And dwell forever there.
Psalm XXXVII. Third Part. Com. Met. The way and end of the righteous and wicked.
MY God, the steps of pious men
Are order'd by thy will;
Tho' they should fall, they rise again,
Thy hand supports them still.
2
The Lord delights to see their ways,
Their virtue he approves;
He'll ne'er deprive them of his grace,
Nor leave the men he loves.
3
The heavenly heritage is theirs,
Their portion and their home;
He feeds them now, and makes them heirs
Of blessings long to come.
[Page 64]
4The haughty sinner have I seen,
Not fearing Man or God;
Like princely laurel, fair and green,
Spreading his arms abroad.
5
And [...]o, he vanish'd from the ground,
Destroy'd by hands unseen;
Nor root, nor branch, nor leaf was found,
Where all that pride had been.
6
But mark the man of righteousness,
His several steps attend!
True pleasure runs thro' all his ways,
And peaceful is his end.
Psalm XXXVIII. ver. 9.10. Com. Met. Consolation in Death.
MY soul, the awful hour will come,
Apace it hastens on,
To bear this body to the tomb,
And thee, to scenes unknown.
2
My heart, long labouring with its woes,
Shall pant and sink away:
And you, my eye-lids, soon shall close,
On the last glimmering ray.
3
Whence, in that hour, shall I receive
A cordial for my pain?
When, if the richest were my friends,
Those friends would weep in vain!
[Page 65]
4Great King of Nature and of grace
To thee my spirit flies;
And opens all its deep distress,
Before thy pitying eyes.
5
All my desires to thee are known,
And every secret fear,
The meaning of each broken groan.
Is notic'd by thine ear.
6
O place me, by that mighty power
Which to such love belongs,
Where darkness veils the eyes no more,
And groans are chang'd to songs.
Psalm XXXIX. Common Metre. Man's Mortality.
TEACH me the measure of my days,
Thou maker of my frame,
I would survey life's narrow space,
And learn how frail I am.
2
A span is all that we can boast,
How short the fleeting time?
Man is but vanity and dust,
In all his flower and prime.
3
See the vain race of mortals move,
Like shadows o'er the plain!
They rage and strive, desire and love,
But all the noise is vain.
[Page 66]
4Some walk in honour's gaudy show,
Some dig for golden ore;
They toil for heirs, they know not who,
And strait are seen no more.
5
What should I wish or wait for then
From creatures earth and dust?
They make our expectations vain,
And disappoint our trust.
6
This fruitless search no more be mine,
Such hopes I now recal;
My earthly prospects I resign,
And make my God, my all.
Psalm XL. First Part. Common Metre. Deliverance from great distress.
I WAITED patient for the Lord,
He bow'd to hear my cry;
He saw me resting on his word,
And brought salvation nigh.
2
Sunk in the depths of sore distress,
And all my struggles vain;
When human help seem'd daily less,
He rais'd me up again.
3
Firm on a rock he made me stand,
And taught my cheerful tongue,
To praise the wonders of his hand,
In a new, thankful song.
[Page 67]
4I'll spread his works of grace abroad,
The Saints with joy shall hear;
And sinners learn to make my God
Their only hope and fear.
5
What mercies fill my wondering view!
How many, and how great!
Life is too short and words too few,
Their numbers to repeat.
6
When I'm afflicted, poor and low,
With hope I'll never part,
For God beholds my heavy woe,
And bears me on his heart.
Psalm XL. Sec. Part. Com. Met. The divine mission and sacrifice of Christ.
THUS saith the Lord, "your work is vain,
Give your burnt offerings o'er;
In dying goats and bullocks stain,
My soul delights no more."
2
Then spake the Saviour "Lo I'm here.
My God, to do thy will;
Whate'er thy sacred books declare
Thy servant shall fulfill."
3
And see, th'e blest Redeemer comes
Th' eternal Son appears!
And at th' appointed time assumes
The body God prepares!
[Page 68]
4Much he reveal'd his father's grace,
And much his truth he show'd;
And preach'd the way of righteousness,
Where great assemblies stood.
5
His Father's honour touch'd his heart,
He pitied sinners cries;
And, to fulfill a Saviour's part,
Was made a sacrifice.
6
No blood of beasts on altars shed
Could cleanse from guilt within;
But the one sacrifice he made,
Atones for all our sin.
7
Then was the great salvation spread,
And Satan's kingdom shook;
Thus by the woman's promis'd seed,
The Serpent's head was broke.
Psalm XLI. Long Metre. Charity Rewarded.
BLEST is the man, whose tender care
Relieves the poor in their distress;
Whose pity wipes the widow's tear,
Whose hand supports the fatherless.
2
His heart contrives for their relief,
More good than his own hand can do;
He in the time of general grief,
Shall find the Lord has pity too.
[Page 69]
3His soul shall live secure on earth,
With secret blessings on his head;
When drought and pestilence and dearth,
Around him multiply their dead.
4
Or if he languish on his couch,
God will pronounce his sins forgiven;
Will save him with a healing touch,
Or take his willing soul to heaven.
Psalm XLII. Common Metre. The pleasure of public worship.
AS pants the hart for cooling streams,
When heated in the chace;
So longs my soul, O God, for thee,
And thy refreshing grace.
2
For thee, my God, the living God,
My thirsty soul doth pine;
O when shall I behold thy face,
Thou majesty divine?
3
I sigh whene'er my musing thoughts
Those happy days present,
When I, with my religious friends,
Thy temple did frequent.
4
When I advanc'd with songs of praise,
My solemn vows to pay;
Amidst the joyful sacred throng,
Which kept the festal day.
[Page 70]
5Why restless, why cast down, my soul?
Trust God, and he'll employ
His aid for thee; and change thy sighs
To hymns of sacred joy.
6
Why restless, why cast down, my soul?
Hope still and thou shall sing,
The praise of him who is thy God,
Thy health's eternal spring.
Psalm XLIII Long Metre. Complaint and hope.
GOD of our strength, to thee we cry,
O let us not forgotten lie;
Oppress'd with sorrows and with care,
To thy protection we repair.
2
O let thy light attend our way,
Thy truth afford its steady ray;
To Zion's hill direct our feet,
To worship at thy sacred seat.
3
Thy praise, O God, shall tune the lyre,
Thy love our joyful song inspire;
To thee, our cordial thanks be paid,
Our sure defence, our constant aid.
3
Why then dejected and distrest'd?
And whence the grief that fills our breast
In God we'll hope, and to him raise,
A monument of endless praise.
[Page 71]
Psalm XLIV. Common Metre In time of War.
O LORD, our fathers oft have told,
In our attentive ears,
Thy wonders in their days perform'd,
And in more ancient years.
2
'Twas not their courage nor their sword
To them salvation gave;
'Twas not their number, nor their strength,
That did their country save.
3
But thy right hand, thy powerful arm,
Whose succour they implor'd;
Thy providence protected them,
Who thy great name ador'd.
4
As thee, their God, our fathers own'd
So thou art still our King;
O therefore, as thou didst to them,
To us deliverance bring.
5
We will not trust our sword nor bow,
When we in war engage;
But thee, who canst subdue our foe,
And calm their haughty rage.
6
To thee, the glory we'll ascribe,
From whom salvation came;
In God our shield we will rejoice▪
And ever bless thy Name,
[Page 72]
Psalm XLV. First Part. Long Metre. The glory of Christ and the power of his Gospel.
NOW be my heart inspir'd to sing,
The glories of my Saviour King;
My tongue shall all his worth proclaim,
And speak the honours of his name,
7
O'er all the Sons of human race,
He shines with a superior grace;
Love from his lips divinely flows,
And blessings, all his state compose.
3
Dress thee in arms, most mighty Lord,
Gird on thy sharp, victorious sword;
In majesty and glory ride,
With truth and meekness at thy side.
4
Thine anger, like a pointed dart,
Shall pierce thy foes of stubborn heart;
Or words of mercy, kind and sweet,
Shall melt the rebels at thy feet.
5
Thy throne, O God,* forever stands,
Grace is the sceptre in thy hands;
Thy laws and works are just and right,
Justice and grace are thy delight.
6
Thy father, God, hath richly shed,
His oil of gladness on thy head;
And with his sacred spirit blest,
His first born Son above the rest.
[Page 73]
Psalm XLV. Sec. Part Long Metre. Christ and his Church.
THE King of Saints! how fair his face!
Adorn'd with majesty and grace!
He comes with blessings from above,
And wins the nations to his love.
2
At his right hand our eyes behold
The Church, array'd in purest gold;
The world admires her heavenly dress,
Her robes of joy and righteousness.
3
He forms her graces like his own,
He calls and seats her near his throne;
Then, let thy wandering heart forget,
The idols of thy native state.
4
So shall the King the more rejoice
In thee, the object of his choice;
Let him be lov'd, and yet ador'd,
He is thy Maker and thy Lord.
[...]
O happy hour, when thou shalt rise
To his fair palace in the skies;
And all thy sons, a numerous train,
Each like a prince, in glory reign.
[...]
Let endless honours crown his head.
Let every age his praises spread;
Whilst we with cheerful songs approve,
The condescentions of his love.
[Page 74]
Psalm XLVI. Long Metre. Praise for national peace
GREAT ruler of the earth and skies,
A word of thy almighty breath,
Can sink the world or bid it rise,
Thy smile is life, thy frown is death.
2
When angry nations rush to arms,
And rage and noise and tumult reign,
When war resounds its dire alarms,
And slaughter spreads the crimson plain:
3
Thy sovreign eye looks calmly down,
And marks their course and bounds their power;
Thy word the angry nations own,
And noise and war are heard no more.
4
Then peace returns with balmy wings,
Reviving commerce spreads her sails;
The fields are green and plenty sings,
Responsive o'er the hills and vales.
5
Thou good and wise and righteous Lord,
All move subservient to thy will;
Both peace and war await thy word,
And thy sublime decrees fulfill
6
To thee we pay our grateful songs,
Thy kind protection still implore;
O may our hearts, and lives and tongues
Confess thy goodness and adore.
[Page 75]
Psalm XLVI. Six Line-Long Metre. War and Peace.
GOD is our refuge in distress,
A present help when dangers press,
In him undaunted we'll confide:
Tho' earth were from her center [...]ost,
And mountains in the ocean lost,
Dissolv'd by every rising tide.
2
A gentle stream with gladness still
The city of our God shall fill,
The sacred seat of God most high,
God dwells in Zion, whose fair towers,
Shall mock th' assaults of earthly powers,
Whilst his almighty aid is nigh.
3
In tumults, when the heathen rag'd,
And kingdoms war against us wag'd.
He thunder'd and dispers'd their powers,
The Lord of hosts conducts our arms,
Our tower of refuge in alarms.
Our fathers guardian God and ours.
4
Come, see the wonders he hath wrought
On earth, what desolation brought,
How he has calm'd the jarring world;
He broke the warlike spear and bow,
With them the thundering chariot too
Into devouring flames were hurl'd.
5
Submit to God's almighty sway,
For him the nations shall obey,
[Page 76]And earth her sovereign Lord confess▪
The God of hosts conducts our arms,
Our tower of refuge in alarms,
As to our fathers in distress.
Psalm XLVII. Common Metre. Universal Praise.
O FOR a shout of sacred joy,
To God the sovereign King!
Let every land their tongues employ,
And hymns of triumph sing.
2
Whilst angels shout their lofty praise,
Let mortals learn their strains;
Let all the Earth their voices raise,
O'er all the Earth he reigns.
3
Rehearse his praise with awe profound,
Let knowledge lead the song;
Nor mock him with a solemn sound,
Upon a thoughtless tongue.
4
In Israel stood his ancient throne,
He lov'd that chosen race;
But now he calls the world his own,
And Heathens taste his grace.
[Page 77]
Psalm XLVIII. Short Metre. Gospel Worship and order.
GREAT is the Lord our God,
And let his praise be great;
He makes the Church, his blest abode,
His most delightful seat.
2
Far as thy name is known,
The world declares thy praise;
Thy saints, O Lord, before thy throne,
Their songs of honour raise.
3
Let strangers walk around
The city were we dwell;
Compass and view thy holy ground,
And mark the building well.
4
The order of thy house,
The worship of thy Court,
The cheerful songs, the solemn vows,
And make a fair report.
5
How decent and how wise!
How glorious to behold!
Beyond the pomp that charms the eye,
And rites adorn'd with gold.
6
The God we worship now
Will guide us till we die;
Will be our God whilst here below,
Our God above the sky.
[Page 78]
Psalm XLIX. Common Metre. The vanity of Riches.
WHY doth the man of riches grow,
To insolence and pride,
To see his wealth and honours flow
With every rising tide?
2
Not all his treasures can procure
His soul a short reprieve:
Redeem from death, one guilty hour,
Or make his brother live.
3
The worth of life can ne'er be told,
Its ransom is too high;
Justice can not be brib'd with gold,
That man may never die.
4
He sees the brutish and the wise,
The timorous and the brave;
Quit their possessions, close their eyes,
And hasten to the grave.
5
Yet 'tis his inward thought and pride,
"My house shall ever stand;
And that my name may long abide,
I'll give it to my land."
6
Vain are his thoughts, his hopes are lost,
How soon his memory dies!
His name is written in the dust
In which his body lies.
[Page 79]
Psalm L. First Part. Com. Met. The last judgment.
THE Lord, the judge, before his throne,
Bids the whole earth draw nigh▪
The nations near the rising Sun,
And near the western sky.
2
No more shall hold blasphemies say,
"Judgment will ne'er begin,"
No more abuse his long delay,
To impudence and sin.
3
Thron'd on a cloud, our God shall come,
Bright flames prepare his way.
Thunder and darkness, fire and storm
Lead on the dreadful day.
4
Heaven from above his call shall hear,
Attending angels come;
And Earth and Hell shall know and fear,
His justice, and their doom.
5
"But gather all my Saints, (he cries)
Who made their peace with God,
Thro' the Redeemer's sacrifice,
And seal'd it with his blood.
6
"Their faith and works bro't forth to light
Shall make the world confess,
My sentence of reward is right,
And heav'n adore my grace."
[Page 80]
Psalm L. Sec. Part. Long Metre. Hypocrisy exposed.
THE Lord, the judge his churches warns,
Let hypocrites attend and fear;
Who place their hopes in rites and forms,
But make not faith nor love their care.
2
They dare rehearse his sacred name,
With lips of falshood and deceit;
A friend or brother they defame,
And sooth and flatter those they hate.
3
They watch to do their neighbour wrong.
Yet dare to seek their maker's face;
They take his Cov'nant on their tongue.
But break his laws, abuse his grace.
4
To heaven they lift their hands unclean,
Defil'd with lust, and stain'd with blood;
By night they practise every sin,
By day their mouths draw near to God.
5
And whilst his judgments long delay,
They grow secure and sin the more;
They think he sleeps as well as they,
And put far off the dreadful hour.
6
O dreadful hour! when God draws near,
And sets their crimes before their eyes;
Their guilt and punishment, appear,
And no deliverer can arise.
[Page 81]
Psalm LI. First Part. Long Metre. A penitent Pleading for pardon.
SHEW pity, Lord, O Lord, forgive,
Let a repenting sinner live;
Are not thy mercies large and free?
May not the contrite trust in thee?
2
My sins tho' great, do not surpass
The riches of eternal grace;
Great God, thy nature hath no bound,
So let thy pardoning love be found.
3
O wash my soul from every sin,
And make my guilty conscience clean;
Here on my heart the burden lies,
And past offences pain my eyes.
4
My lips with shame my sins confess
Against thy law, against thy grace;
And should thy judgment be severe,
I am condemn'd but thou art clear.
5
Yet, save a trembling sinner, Lord,
Whose hope, still hovering round thy word,
Seeks for some precious promise there,
Some sure protection from despair.
6
Then shall thy love inspire my tongue,
Salvation shall be all my song;
And all my powers shall join to bless
The Lord, my strength and righteousness.
[Page 82]
Psalm LI. Second Part. Long Metre. The Penitent restored.
O THOU, who hear'st when sinners cry,
Tho' all my cr [...]mes before thee lie,
Regard them [...] [...]ith angry look.
But blot their memory from thy book.
2
Renew me, O my God, within
And form my soul averse to sin;
Let thy good spirit not depart
Nor hide thy presence from my heart.
3
I cannot live without thy light
Cast out and banish'd from thy sight;
Thy holy joys, O God, restore,
And guard me that I fall no more.
4
A broken heart, my God, my king,
Is all the sacrifice I bring;
The God of grace will not despise,
A contrite heart for sacrifice.
5
My soul lies humbled in the dust
And owns thy dreadful sentence just;
Look down, O Lord, with pitying eye,
And save the wretch condemn'd to die.
6
Then will I teach the world thy grace
Sinners shall learn to seek thy face;
I'll lead them in the heavenly road
And they shall praise, a pardoning God.
[Page 83]
Psalm LII. united with the 55. S. M. Devotion and Confidence.
LET sinners take their course
And choose the road to death;
But in the praises of my God
I'll spend my daily breath.
2
Thou wilt regard my cries,
O my eternal God;
Whilst sinners perish in surprise,
Beneath thy angry rod.
3
Because they dwell at ease,
And no sad changes feel,
They neither fear thy holy name,
Nor learn to do thy will.
4
But like an olive tree,
Within thy courts I'll stand
And confidently, Lord, rely
On thy protecting hand.
5
With all my heavy cares,
I'll lean upon the Lord;
I'll cast my burden on his arm,
And rest upon his word.
[...]
His arm shall well sustain
The children of his love;
The ground on which their safety stands
No earthly power can move.
[Page 84]
Psalm LIII. Long Metre. Compared with Rom. iii, 10, 11. The degeneracy of the world removed by the Gospel.
BEHOLD the fool! whose heart denies
The God who form'd the earth and skies
And whilst the path of sin he treads,
How wide the dire example spreads!
2
Th' eternal Sovreign from on high
Cast on the sons of men his eye;
To see if any understood,
And fear'd and lov'd their maker God.
3
But all were so degenerate grown,
None the true God had fully known!
Both Jew and Gentile long had been
By lust enslav'd and dead in sin.
4
Both gnoe from wisdom's path astray.
Pursu'd the errors of their way,
With dismal superstition blind,
And causeless terrors fill'd their mind.
5
Who, gracious God, to sinners eyes
Could bid the wish'd salvation rise?
Thy SON did light and truth display,
And turn their darkness into day.
6
No flesh shall boast of righteousness,
But guilty shall themselves confess;
And when they hear thy pardoning voice,
In thy salvation shall rejoice.
[Page 85]
Psalm LIV. Particular Metre. Deliverance from Enemies.
THY name, O God, my heart avows,
Do thou my injur'd cause espouse,
And be thy strength my aid;
My fervent cries in mercy hear,
And let them by thy pitying ear
With full regard be weigh'd.
2
For people, from thy fear estrang'd,
With tyrants fierce, against me rang'd,
My fainting soul pursue;
But midst my helpers, heaven's high Lord
Shall stand, and faithful to his word,
Each adverse power subdue.
3
O let my heart, their rage repell'd,
Itself a willing offering yield:
To thee its praise shall flow;
Whilst to my [...]hought thy mercies rise,
That gave me, [...]th exulting eyes,
To see my p [...]rate foe.
Psalm LV. Common Metre. Impatience corrected by faith.
O WERE I like a feather'd dove!
If innocence had wings,
I'd fly and make a long remove
From all these restless things.
[Page 86]
2Let me to some wild desart go,
And find a peaceful home;
Where storms of malice never blow,
Temptations never come.
3
Vain hopes, and vain inventions all,
T' escape the rage of hell!
The mighty God on whom I call
Can save me here as well.
4
By morning light I'll seek his face,
At noon repeat my cry;
The night shall hear me as [...] his grace,
Nor will he long deny.
5
God my preserver and my friend
Can shield me when afraid;
Ten thousand angels must attend,
If he command their aid.
6
I'll cast my burdens on the Lord
He will sustain them all;
My faith shall rest upon his word
And I shall never fall.
Psalm LVI. Common Metre. God's care of his people.
IN God, most holy, just and true,
I have repos'd my trust;
Nor will I fear what man can do,
The offspring of the dust.
[Page 87]
2God counts the sorrows of his saints,
Their cries affect his ears;
Thou hast a book for their complaints.
A bottle for their tears.
3
Thy solemn vows are on me, Lord,
Thou shalt receive my praise;
I'll sing, "how faithful is thy word,
How righteous are thy ways!"
4
Thou hast secur'd my soul from death,
O set thy servant free,
That heart and hand and life and breath
May be employ'd for thee.
Psalm LVII. Long Metre. Divine Protection, grace and truth.
MY God, in whom are all the springs
Of boundless love, and grace unknown;
Hide me beneath thy spreading wings,
Till the dark cloud be over blown.
2
Up to the heavens, I raise my cry,
The Lord will my desires perform;
He sends his angel from the sky,
And saves me from the threatning storm.
3
Be thou exalted, O my God,
Above the heavens where angels dwell;
Thy power on earth be known abroad,
And land to land thy wonders tell.
[Page 88]
4My heart is fix'd, my song shall raise
Immortal honours to thy name;
Awake, my tongue, to sound his praise▪
My tongue, the glory of my frame.
5
High o'er the earth his mercy reigns,
And reaches to the utmost sky;
His truth to endless years remains,
When lower worlds dissolve and die.
6
Be thou exalted, O my God,
Above the heavens where angels dwell;
Thy power on earth be known abroad,
And land to land thy wonders tell.
Psalm LVIII. Six Line-Long Metre▪ The destruction of Tyrants and Oppressors.
SHALL tyrants rule by impious laws?
Shall they despise the righteous cause,
When innocence before them stands?
Dare they condemn the helpless poor,
And let oppressors rest secure,
Whilst gold and greatness bribe their hands
2
Do they forget th' almighty name,
That God o'er all is Judge supreme?
High in the heavens his justice reigns;
Yet they invade the rights of God,
And send their bold decrees abroad,
To bind the free born soul in chains.
[Page 89]
3A poison'd arrow is their tongue,
The arrow sharp, the poison strong!
And death attends where'er it wounds;
They hear no counsels, cries nor tears;
So the deaf adder stops her ears,
Against the melody of sounds.
4
Break thou their teeth, Almighty God,
The teeth of lions drench'd in blood;
And crush those serpents in the dust:
Thy voice shall thunder from the sky,
Their crowns shall fall, their titles die,
Their grandeur and their power be lost.
5
Thus shall thy justice, mighty Lord,
Freedom and peace to men afford,
And nations shall unite and say,
"Sure there's a God, that rules on high,
Who hears th' oppressed when they cry,
And all their sufferings will repay."
Psalm LIX. Short Metre. For Deliverance from the Savages.
LORD let our humble cry
Before thy throne ascend;
Behold us with compassion's eye,
And still our lives defend.
2
For foes a num'rous band
Against our lives conspire;
[Page 90]They aim destruction thro' the land,
And spread the raging fire.
3
Beneath the silent shade,
Their secret plots they lay,
Our peaceful towns by night invade
And waste the fields by day.
4
And will the God of grace,
Regardless of our pain,
Permit secure that bloody race
To riot o'er the slain?
5
In vain their secret guile
Or open force they prove;
Thine eye can pierce the deepest veil,
Thy hand their force remove.
6
Deliver us from death,
Send our invaders home;
Or drive them with thy powerful breath
Thro' distant wilds to roam.
7
Then shall our grateful voice
Proclaim our guardian God;
In thy salvation we'll rejoice,
And sound thy praise abroad.
Psalm LX. Common Metre. Humiliation for disappointment in War.
LORD, hast thou cast the nation off?
Must we forever mourn?
[Page 91]Wilt thou consume us in thy wrath?
Shall mercy ne'er return?
3
The terror of one frown of thine
Melts all our strength away:
Like men subdu'd by power of wine,
We tremble in dismay.
3
Our country shakes beneath thy stroke,
And dreads thy lifted hand;
O heal the people thou hast broke,
And save the sinking land.
4
Lift up thy banner in the field,
For those who fear thy name;
Defend thy people with thy shield,
And put our foes to shame.
5
Go with our armies to the fight,
And be their guardian God;
In vain consederate powers unite,
Against thy lifted rod.
6
Our troops shall gain a wide renown
By thine assisting hand;
For God shall tread the mighty down,
And make the feeble st [...]nd.
Psalm LXI. Long Metre. Safety in God.
WHEN overwhelm'd with pain and grief,
Helpless and far from all relief,
[Page 92]My heart within me sinks and dies,
To God I lift my waiting eyes.
2
High on the rock, my footsteps rear,
There let me stand unmov'd and hear,
The storms which now around me beat,
Roll harmless underneath my feet.
3
Thee, Lord, I seek whene'er my foes
On mischief bent, my path enclose,
Thou art, in ev'ry dang'rous hour,
My stedfast hope, my strongest tower.
4
Remote from fear, within thy shrine,
Thou, Lord, my dwelling shalt assign;
Thy wings shall wrap me in their shade,
For thou hast heard me, when I pray'd.
5
Safe in thy presence, let me stand,
And share the blessings of thy hand;
My dwelling let thy truth defend,
Thy mercy on my steps attend.
6
So shall thy love awake my song,
My voice the willing note prolong;
Whilst warm'd with zeal, my vows I pay,
And bless thee to my latest day.
Psalm LXII. Long Metre. No trust in the Creatures but in God.
MY spirit looks to God alone,
My rock and refuge are his throne;
[Page 93]In all my fears, in all my straits,
My soul on his salvation waits.
2
Trust him ye saints, in all your ways,
To him your suppliant voices raise;
When helpers fail and foes invade,
God is our all sufficient aid.
3
False are the men of high degree,
The ba [...]er sort are vanity;
Laid in the balance, both appear,
Light as a breath of empty air.
4
Make not increasing gold your trust,
Nor set your heart on glittering dust;
Why will you grasp the fleeting smoke,
And not believe what God hath spoke?
5
Once hath his awful voice declar'd,
Once and again my ears have heard;
"All power is his eternal due,
He must be fear'd and trusted too."
6
For sovereign power reigns not alone,
Grace is a partner of the throne;
Thy grace and justice, mighty Lord,
Shall well adjudge our last reward.
Psalm LXIII. Common Metre. For the Lord's day morning.
EARLY, my God, without delay,
I haste to seek thy face;
[Page 94]My thirsty spirit faints away,
Without thy cheering grace.
2
So pilgrims on the scorching sand,
Beneath a burning sky,
Long for a cooling stream at hand,
And they must drink or die.
3
I've seen thy glory and thy power
Through all thy temple shine;
My God, repeat that heavenly hour,
That vision so divine.
4
Not all the blessings of a feast
Can please my soul so well;
As when thy richer grace I taste,
And in thy presence dwell.
5
Not life itself with all its joys
Can my best passions move;
Nor raise so high my cheerful voice,
As thy forgiving love.
6
Thus, till my last expiring day,
I'll bless my God and King;
Thus will I lift my hands to pray,
And tune my lips to sing.
Psalm LXIII. Long Metre. The Love of God and his worship.
GREAT God, indulge my humble claim,
Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest,
[Page]The glories, that compose thy name
Stand all engag'd to make me blest.
2
Thou great and good, thou just and wise,
Thou art my father and my God;
And I am thine, by sacred ties,
Thy Son, thy servant bought with blood.
3
With heart and eyes and lifted hands,
For thee I long, to thee I look;
As travellers, in thirsty lands,
Long for the cooling water brook.
4
With early feet, I will appear;
Among thy saints and seek thy face;
Give me to see thy glory there,
And taste the richness of thy grace.
[...]
Not all, by worldly men possess'd,
Not all the joys our senses know,
O [...] make me so divinely blest,
O [...] raise my cheerful passions so.
6
I'll lift my hands, I'll raise my voice,
Whilst I have breath to pray or praise;
This work shall make my heart rejoice,
And well employ my future days.
Psalm LXIII. Short Metre. Delight in Divine Worship.
MY God permit my tongu [...]
With joy to call thee min [...] ▪
[Page 96]And let my early cries prevail,
To taste thy love divine.
2
Within thy Churches, Lord,
I long to find my place;
Thy power and glory to behold,
And feel thy quickening grace.
3
For life, without thy love,
No relish can afford;
No joy can be compar'd with this,
To serve and please the Lord.
4
To thee I'll lift my hands,
And praise thee whilst I live,
Not the gay scenes of time and sense
Such pure delight can give.
5
Since thou hast been my help,
To thee my spirit flies;
And on thy watchful Providence
My cheerful hope relies.
6
The shadow of thy wings,
My soul in safety keeps;
I follow where my father leads,
And he supports my steps.
Psalm LXIV. Six Line-Long Metre. In a time of Insurrection.
O LORD, to our request give ear,
And free our souls from hostile fear;
[Page 97]For crafty men; of impious mind,
(Their powers in secret league combin'd,)
With factious rage their plots devise,
And vent their malice, mix'd with lies.
2
Behold the slaughter-breathing throng,
Whet like a sword their threatning tongue
And bend their bows, to shoot their darts,
Against the men of upright hearts,
In works of mischief they agree,
And vainly think that none shall [...]ee.
3
But, wretches, whither will ye fly?
Behold the arrow from on high!
Descends, and bears, upon its wing,
The wrath of heaven's offended king!
Your slanders on yourselves shall fall,
Hated, despis'd and shunn'd by all.
4
The world shall then God's power confess,
His wisdom, love and righteousness;
And men shall see, with rev'rend tho't,
The wonders that his hand hath wro't.
Whilst all shall own his dealings just,
The righteous in his name shall trust.
Psalm LXV. First Part. Long Metre. Public Worship.
FOR thee, O God, our constant praise
In Zion waits, thy chosen seat:
[Page 98]Our promis'd altars there we'll raise,
And all our zealous vows complete.
2
O thou, who to my humble prayer
Didst always bend thy listening ear,
To thee, shall all mankind repair,
And at thy gracious throne appear.
3
Our sins, tho, numberless, in vain
To stop thy flowing mercy try;
For thou wilt purge the guilty strain,
And wash away the crimson dye.
4
Blest is the man, who, near thee plac'd,
Within thy sacred dwelling lives;
Whilst we at humbler distance taste
The vast delight thy worship gives.
Psalm LXV. Sec. Part. Com. Met. Divine Providence in Air, Earth and Sea.
'TIS by thy strength the mountains stand,
God of eternal power;
The sea grows calm at thy command,
And tempests cease to roar.
2
Thy morning light and evening shade
Successive comforts bring;
Thy plenteous fruits make harvest glad,
Thy flowers adorn the spring.
3
Seasons and times and moons and hours,
Heav'n, air and earth are thine;
[Page 99]When clouds distil in fruitful showers,
The author is divine.
4
Those wandering cisterns in the sky,
Borne by the winds around,
Whose wat'ry treasures well supply,
The furrows of the ground.
5
The thirsty ridges drink their fill,
And ranks of corn appear;
Thy ways abound with blessings still;
Thy goodness crowns the year.
Psalm LXV. Third Part. Com. Met. Fruitful Seasons▪
GOD is the Lord, the heavenly king,
Who makes the earth his care;
Visits the pastures every spring,
And bids the grass appear.
2
The clouds, like rivers rais'd on high,
Pour out at thy command,
Their wat'ry blessings from the sky
To cheer the thirsty land.
3
The softened ridges of the field
Permit the corn to spring;
The valleys rich provision yield,
The grateful labourers sing.
[Page 100]
4The little hills on every side
Rejoice at falling showers;
The meadows, dress'd in all their pride,
Perfume the air with flowers.
5
The barren clods refresh'd with rain
Promise a joyful crop;
The fields with verdure fill'd again
Revive the reaper's hope.
6
The various months thy goodness crowns
How bounteous are thy ways!
The bleating flocks spread o'er the downs
And shepherds shout thy praise.
Psalm LXV. Long Metre. A new Version.
THY praise, O God, in Zion waits;
All flesh shall croud thy sacred gates,
To offer sacrifice and pray'r,
And pay their willing homage there.
2
What tho' iniquity prevail,
And feeble flesh be prone to fail;
Yet Lord, thy grace thou wilt display,
And purge each hateful stain away.
3
Blest is the man approv'd by thee,
And brought thy holy courts to see!
Goodness, immense and unconfin'd,
Shall largely feast his longing mind.
[Page 101]
4Great God, by thy Almighty hand,
The everlasting mountains stand:
And every storm, and ev'ry flood,
Obey thy all commanding nod.
5
Thy light'nings, flashing thro' the skies,
Fill the wide earth with sad surprise;
But cheer'd by thy enliv'ning voice,
Rising and setting suns rejoice.
6
From thy vast, inexhausted stores,
The earth is blest with kindly show'rs;
And savage wilds and desarts drear,
Confess thee, Father of the year.
7
The flocks which graze the mountains brow;
The corn which clothes the plains below,
To ev'ry heart new transports bring,
And hills and vales rejoice and sing.
Psalm LXVI. First Part. Com. Met. Divine power and goodness.
NOW to the Lord of heav'n and earth,
Address a cheerful song;
Let gratitude inspire your mirth,
And joy the notes prolong.
2
Come see the wonders of our God
How glorious are his ways!
In Moses' hand he puts his rod,
The sea his voice obeys.
[Page 102]
3He made the ebbing channel dry,
Whilst Israel pass'd the flood;
The tribes beheld with wond'ring eye,
A guardian in their God.
4
O bless the Lord, and never cease,
Ye saints, fulfil his praise;
He keeps our life, maintains our peace,
And guides our doubtful ways.
5
Lord, thou hast prov'd our suffering souls.
To make our graces shine;
So silver bears the burning coals,
The metal to refine.
6
Thro' watery deeps and fiery ways,
We march at thy command;
Led to possess the promis'd place,
By thy unerring hand.
Psalm LXVI. Sec. Part. Com. Met. Praise to God for bearing Prayer.
NOW shall my solemn vows be paid,
To that almighty power;
Who heard the long requests I made,
In my distressful hour.
2
My lips and cheerful heart prepare
To make his mercies known;
[Page 103]Come, ye who love my God and hear,
The wonders he hath done.
3
If sin lay cover'd in my heart,
When praise employ'd my tongue;
The Lord had shewn me no regard,
Nor I his praises sung.
4
But God, his name be ever blest,
Has set my spirit free;
He ne'er rejected my request,
Nor turn'd his heart from me.
Psalm LXVII. Short Metre. Universal Praise.
TO bless thy chosen race,
In mercy, Lord, incline;
And cause the brightness of thy face,
On all thy church to shine.
2
That so thy gracious way
May thro' the world be known;
Whilst distant lands their homage pay,
And thy salvation own.
3
Let all the nations join,
To celebrate thy fame;
Let the whole world, O Lord, combine,
To praise thy glorious name.
9
O let them shout and sing.
In humble, pious mirth;
[Page 104]For thou the righteous Judge and King
Shalt govern all the earth.
Psalm LXVIII. F. Part. 6 Line-L.M. The justice and compassion of God.
LET God arise in all his might,
And put his enemies to flight;
As smoke that sought to cloud the skies
Before the rising tempest flies;
Or wax that melts before the fire,
So shall his fainting foes expire.
2
Kingdoms and thrones to God belong▪
Praise him, ye nations, in your song;
He rides and thunders thro' the sky,
His name, Jehovah, sounds on high;
Sing to his name ye sons of grace,
Ye saints, rejoice before his face.
3
The widow and the fatherless
Fly to his aid, in sharp distress;
In him the poor and helpless find,
A judge most just, a father kind;
He breaks the captive's galling chain▪
And prisoners see the light again.
4
His wond'rous name and power rehearse;
His honours shall enrich your verse;
Proclaim him King, pronounce him blest,
He's your defence, your joy, your rest▪
[Page 105]When terrors rise and nations faint,
God is the strength of every saint.
Psalm LXVIII. ver. 17, 18. S.P. L. M. Compared with Eph. iv.8, 9, 10. The ascention of Christ and the gift of his spirit.
LORD, when thou didst ascend on high,
Ten thousand angels fill'd the sky;
Those heavenly guards around thee wait,
Like chariots that attend thy state.
2
Not Sinaa [...]'s mountain could appear,
More glorious when the Lord was there;
When he proclaim'd his dreadful law,
And struck the chosen tribes with awe.
3
How bright the triumph none can tell,
When the rebellious powers of hell,
Which thousand souls had captive made,
Were all in chains like captives led.
4
Rais'd by his father to the throne,
He sent his promis'd spirit down;
With gifts and grace for rebel men,
That God might dwell on earth again.
Psalm LXVIII. Third Part. Long Met Prais for divine care and goodness...
WE bless the Lord, the just, the good
Who fills our hearts with joy and food;
[Page 106]Who pours his blessings from the skies,
And loads us with his rich supplies.
2
He sends his Sun, his circuit round,
To cheer the fruits, to warm the ground;
He bids the clouds with plenteous rain,
Refresh the thirsty earth again.
3
To his kind care, we owe our breath,
And all our near escapes from death;
Safety and health to God belong,
He heals the sick and guards the strong.
4
His own right hand his faints shall raise,
From death's dark shade to sing his praise;
And bring them to his courts above,
To see his face and taste his love.
Psalm LXIX. Common Metre. The Obedience and Death of Christ.
FATHER, I sing thy wondrous grace
I bless my Saviour's name;
He bought salvation for the poor,
And bore the sinner's shame.
2
His deep distress hath rais'd us high;
His duty and his zeal
Fulfill'd the law which mortals broke,
And finish all sky will.
3
The sacrifice he offer'd once
Has better pleas'd my God,
[Page 107]Than all the victims of the law,
Than goats or bullock's blood.
4
This shall his humble followers see,
And set their hearts at rest;
They by his death draw near to thee,
And live for ever blest.
5
Let heaven and all who dwell on high
To God their voices raise;
While lands and seas assist the sky,
And join t' advance the praise.
6
Zion is thine, most holy God,
Thy son shall bless her gates;
And glory, purchas'd by his death,
For thy own Israel watts.
Psalm LXIX. Long Metre. The Sufferings of Christ.
DEEP in our hearts let us record
The sorrows of our dying Lord,
Behold the rising billows roll
To overwhelm his holy soul.
2
The Jews, his brethren and his kin,
Abus'd the man who check'd their sin;
While he obey'd God's holy laws,
They h [...]e him, but without a cause.
3
In long complaints he spends his breath,
While hosts of hell and powers of death,
[Page 108]And all the sons of malice join,
To execute their vain design.
4
For, gracious God, thy power and love
Have made the curse a blessing prove;
Tho' once upon the cross he bled
Immortal honours crown his head.
5
Thro' Christ thy son our guilt forgive
And let the mourning sinner live,
The Lord will hear us in his name
Nor shall our hope be turn'd to shame.
Psalm LXX. Common Metre. Protection against Enemies.
GREAT God, attend my humble call
Nor hear my cries in vain;
O let thy grace prevent my fall
And still my hope sustain.
2
When foes insulting wound my name,
And tempt my soul astray;
Then let the [...] hide their face with shame,
To their [...]wn plots a prey.
3
Whilst all who love thy name rejoice,
And glory in thy word,
In thy salvation raise their voice,
To magnify the Lord.
4
Be thou my help in time of need,
To thee, O Lord, I pray;
[Page 109]In mercy hasten to my aid,
Nor let thy grace delay.
Psalm LXXI. First Part. Com. Met. Old age, death and the resurrection.
MY God, my everlasting hope,
I live upon thy truth;
Thy hands have held my childhood up,
And strengthen'd all my youth.
2
New wonders, Lord, my eyes have seen
With each revolving year,
Thou know'st the days which yet remain;
I trust them to thy care.
3
Will thou forsake my hoary hairs
And leave my fainting heart?
Who shall sustain my sinking years
If God my strength depart?
4
Down to thy silent vale of death
Will be my next remove;
O may these poo [...] [...]emains of breath
Declare thy wond'rous love.
5
Let me thy power and truth proclaim
To the surviving age;
And leave a savour of thy name
When I shall quit the stage.
6
By long experience I have known
Thy sovereign power to save;
[Page 110]At thy command I venture down
Securely to the grave.
7
When I am buried in the dust,
My flesh shall be thy care;
These withering limbs with thee I trust,
To raise them strong and fair.
Psalm LXXI. Sec. Part. Com. Met. Christ our strength and righteousness.
MY Saviour, my almighty friend,
When I begin thy praise,
Where will the growing numbers end,
The numbers of thy grace?
2
Thou art my everlasting trust
Thy goodness I adore;
And since I knew thy graces first
I speak thy glories more.
3
My feet shall travel all the length
Of the celestial road,
And march with courage in thy strength
To see my father God.
4
When I am fill'd with shame and grief
For some remains of sin;
Thy promises shall bring relief,
And give me peace within.
5
How will my lips rejoice to tell
The victories of my king!
[Page 111]My soul redeem'd from sin and hell
Shall thy salvation sing.
6
My tongue shall all the day proclaim
My Saviour's dying blood;
His death has brought my foes to shame
And made my peace with God.
Psalm LXXII. First Part. Long Metre. The kingdom of Christ.
GREAT God, whose universal sway▪
All heav'n reveres, all worlds obey;
Now make the Saviour's glory known,
Extend his power, exalt his throne.
2
Thy sceptre well becomes his hands
Angels submit to his commands;
His justice shall protect the poor,
And pride and rage prevail no more.
3
With power he vindicates the just.
And treads th' oppressor in the dust;
His righteous government shall last,
Till days and years and time be past.
4
The heathen lands that lie beneath
The shades of overspreading death▪
Revive at his first dawning light,
And desarts blossom at the sight.
5
The saints shall flourish in his days,
Drest in the robes of joy and praise;
[Page 112]Peace, like a river, from his throne
Shall flow to nations yet unknown.
Psalm LXXII. Sec. Part. L. Met. The kingdom of Christ.
JESUS shall reign, where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and w [...]ne no more.
2
Through him, shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown his head;
His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise,
With every daily sacrifice.
3
From north to south shall princes meet,
To pay their homage at his feet;
And barbarous nations at his word,
Submit and bow and own their Lord.
4
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love, with grateful song;
And infant voices shall proclaim,
Their early blessings on his name.
5
Blessings abound where'er he reigns,
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest.
[Page 113]
6Where he displays his healing power,
The sting of death is known no more;
In him the sons of Adam boast,
More blessings than their Father lost.
7
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honours to our King,
Angels descend with songs again
And earth repeat the long Amen.
Psalm LXXII. Third Part. Long Met. Divine influence compared to Rain.
AS showers on meadows newly mown.
Our God shall send his spirit down;
Eternal source of grace divine,
What soul refreshing drops are thine!
2
Lands which beneath a burning sky
Have long been desolate and dry,
Th' effusions of his love shall share,
And sudden life and verdure wear.
3
The dews and rains in all their store,
Watering the pastures o'er and o'er,
Are not so copious, as that grace,
Which sanctifies and saves our race.
4
As in soft silence, vernal showers
Descend and cheer the fainting flowers
So in the secrecy of love,
Falls the blest influence from above.
[Page 114]
5That heavenly influence let me find,
In holy silence of the mind;
Whilst every grace maintains its bloom,
Diffusing wide its rich perfume.
6
Nor let these blessings be confin'd
To me, but pour'd on all mankind;
Till all the wastes in verdure rise,
And a new Eden bless our eyes.
Psalm LXXIII. First Part. Long Met. Dangerous Prosperity.
LORD, what a thoughtless wretch was I▪
To mourn and murmur and repine;
To see the wicked plac'd on high,
And prid [...] in robes of honour shine
2
To fathom this my thoughts I bent,
But found the case too hard for me;
[...] to the house of God I went,
Then I their end did plainly see.
3
However high advanc'd they all
On slippery places loosely stand;
Thence into ruin headlong fall,
Cast down by thine almighty hand.
4
Their fancied joys, how fast they flee!
Just like a dream when man awakes;
Their songs of softest harmony▪
Are but a preface to their plagues.
[Page 115]
5But still thy presence me supplied,
And thy right hand directs my way;
Thy counsels, Lord shall be my guide,
To realms of peace and endless day.
Psalm LXXIII. Sec. Part. Com. Met. God our Portion.
GOD, my supporter and my hope,
My help forever near;
Thine arm of mercy held me up,
When sinking in despair.
2
Thy counsels, Lord, shall guide my feet
Thro' this dark wilderness;
Thy hand conduct me near thy seat,
To dwell before thy face.
3
Were I in heaven, without my God,
'Twould be no joy to me;
And whilst this earth is my abode,
I long for none but thee.
4
What if the springs of life were broke,
And flesh and heart should faint?
God is my soul's eternal rock,
The strength of every faint.
5
Behold, the sinners who remove,
Far from thy presence, die;
Not all the idol-gods they love,
Can save them when they cry.
[Page 116]
6But to draw near to thee, my God,
Shall be my sweet employ;
My tongue shall sound thy works abroad,
And tell the world my joy.
Psalm LXXIV. Ver. 12—17. C. Met. Divine Providence.
PARENT of nature, GOD supreme,
Thy works are great and good!
All nature manifests thy name,
The sky, the earth, the flood.
2
Thine is the cheerful day, and thine
The dark return of night;
Thou hast prepar'd the sun to shine,
And every feebler light.
3
By thee, each region of the earth
In perfect order stands;
The glowing south, the frozen north
Obey thy fix'd commands.
4
Thou didst divide th' Egyptian sea,
By thy resistless might;
To make thy tribes a wondrous way.
And then secure their flight.
5
At thy command, the solid rock.
Pour'd water from its side;
And thou didst lead thy chosen flock,
Thro' Jordan's parting tide.
[Page 117]
6If nature owns its sovereign Lord,
We would obey thy will;
And whilst we trust thy faithful word,
We sing thy praises still.
Psalm LXXV. Long Metre. Power of Government from God alone. (Applied to the American Revolution.)
TO thee, most holy and most high,
We render thanks and sing thy praise;
Thy works declare thy name is nigh,
Thy works of wonder and of grace.
2
To bondage doom'd, thy free-born sons
Beheld their foes indignant rise;
And sore oppress'd by earthly thrones,
Appeal'd to him who rules the skies.
3
Then, mighty God, with equal power,
Arose thy vengeance and thy grace,
To drive their legions from our shore,
And save the men who sought thy face.
4
Let haughty Princes sink their pride,
Nor lift so high their scornful head;
But lay their impious thoughts aside,
And own the Powers which God has made.
5
Such honours never come by chance,
Nor do the winds promotion blow;
[Page 118]But God the Judge doth one advance,
'Tis he that lays another low.
6
No vain pretence to royal birth
Shall raise a tyrant to the throne;
Th' impartial Sov'reign of the Earth
Will make the rights of men be known.
7
His hand will yet uphold the just,
And whilst he tramples on the proud,
And lays their glory in the dust,
Our lips shall sing his praise aloud.
Psalm LXXVI. Common Metre. God's guardian care of his people.
IN Judah, God of old was known,
His name in Israel great;
In Salem, stood his sacred throne,
And Sion was his seat.
2
From Sion went his dreadful word,
And broke the threatning bow;
The spear, the arrow and the sword,
And crush'd th' Assyrian foe.
3
What are the earth's wide kingdoms else
But mighty hills of prey?
The hill on which Jehovah dwells
Is glorious more than they.
[Page 119]
4What power can stand before thy sight
When once thy wrath appears?
When heaven shines round with dreadful light,
The earth lies still and fears.
5
When God by his own sovereign grace
Appears to save th' oppress'd;
The wrath of man shall work his praise
And he'll restrain the rest.
Psalm LXXVII. Common Metre. Comfort derived from ancient Providences.
WHEN overwhelm'd with pain and grief,
Beneath thy chastening rod;
Depriv'd of comfort and relief,
We look to thee, our God.
2
Wilt thou forever cast us off?
And will thy wrath prevail?
Hast thou forgot thy tender love?
And will thy promise fail?
3
But faith forbids this hopeless thought,
And checks this doubting frame;
We know the works thy hand has wro't.
Thy hand is still the same.
4
Long did the Sons of Jacob lie,
By Egypt's yoke oppress'd;
Didst thou refuse to hear their cry
And give thy people rest?
[Page 120]
5In thine own way, thy chosen sheep
Must hear thy mighty call;
Must venture thro' the parted deep;
Beside the liquid wall.
6
Strange was their journey thro' the sea,
A path before unknown!
Terrors attend their wond'rous way,
But mercy leads them on.
7
Tho' trackless waves of ocean hide
Thy footsteps from our sight;
We'll follow where thy hand shall guide,
For thou wilt lead us right.
Psalm LXXVIII. first part. C. Met. Religious Education of Child [...]en.
GIVE ear, ye children, to my Law,
Devout attention lend;
Let the instructions of my mouth,
Deep in your hearts descend.
2
My tongue by inspiration taught
Shall parables unfold;
Dark oracles, but understood▪
And own'd for truths of old.
3
Which we from sacred registers,
Of ancient times have known;
And our forefathers pious care
To us hath handed down.
[Page 121]
4Let children, learn the mighty deeds,
Which God perform'd of old;
Which in our younger years we saw,
And which our fathers told.
5
Our lips shall tell them to our sons,
And they again to theirs;
That generations, yet unborn
May teach them to their heirs.
6
Thus shall they learn, in God alone,
Their hope securely stands;
That they may ne'er forget his works,
But practise his commands.
Psalm LXXVIII. Sec. Part. Com. Mer. Ver. 19.20. A table in the wilderness.
PARENT of universal good,
We own thy bounteous hand;
Which did so rich a table spread,
Ev'n in a desart land.
2
Struck by thy power, the flinty rocks
In gushing torrents flow;
The feather'd wanderers of the air,
Thy guiding instinct know.
3
From pregnant clouds, at thy command▪
Descends celestial bread;
[Page 122]And by light drops of pearly dew,
Are numerous armies fed.
4
Supported thus, thine Israel march'd,
The promis'd land to gain;
And shall thy children now begin
To seek their God in vain?
5
Are all thy stores exhausted now?
Or does thy mercy fail?
That faith should languish in our breast,
And anxious care prevail?
6
Ye base unworthy fears, be gone,
And wide disperse in air;
For I deserve my father's rod,
When I distrust his care.
Psalm LXXIX. Long Metre. The devastation of War.
BEHOLD, O God, how cruel foes
Our peaceful heritage invade;
Their lawless tribute they impose,
And in the dust our towns are laid.
2
To rav'nous birds, our flesh they gave,
Slaughter'd on fields, with crimson dy'd;
The cheap indulgence of a grave
Is by inhuman foes deny'd.
[Page 123]
3How long, O Lord, shall we endure?
Wilt thou not hear the captive's cry;
Rescue, by thine almighty power,
The trembling wretch, condemn'd to die.
4
Remember not our former guilt,
But save us by thy bound less grace;
Then shall our wastes again be built,
And all our mouths be fill'd with praise.
Psalm LXXX. Long Metre. The vineyard of God laid waste.
GREAT Shepherd of thine Israel,
Who didst between the cherubs dwel [...],
And lead the tribes, thy chosen sheep
Safe thro' the desart and the deep:
2
Thy church deserted now appears;
Shine from on high, dispel our fears;
Turn us to thee, thy love restore,
We shall be sav'd and sigh no more.
3
Hast thou not planted with thy hand
A lovely vine in this our land?
Did not thy power defend it round?
And heavenly dews enrich the ground?
4
How did the spreading branches shoot,
And bless thy people with its fruit!
But now, O Lord, look down and see▪
Thy mourning vine, thy lovely tree!
[Page 124]
5Why is its beauty thus defac'd?
Why are its fences thus laid waste?
Its fruit expos'd beside the way,
To each rapacious hand a prey!
6
Return, O God, thy face incline,
Return and visit this thy vine;
Turn us to thee, thy face display
And grief and fear shall fly away.
Psalm LXXXI. Short Metre. Spiritual blessings and punishments.
SING to the Lord, aloud,
And make a joyful noise:
God is our strength, our saviour God,
Let Israel hear his voice.
2
"From vile idolatry,
Preserve my worship clean;
I am the Lord who set thee free
From slavery and sin.
3
"Stretch thy desires abroad
And I'll supply them well;
But if ye will refuse your God,
If Israel will rebel.
4
"I'll leave them, saith the Lord
To their own lusts a prey;
And let them run the dangerous road,
'Tis their own chosen way.
[Page 125]
5"Yet, O that all my Saints,
Would hearken to my voice;
Soon would I ease their sore complaints
And make their hearts rejoice.
6
"Whilst I destroy their foes
I'd richly feed my flock;
And they should taste the stream that flows,
From their eternal rock."
Psalm LXXXII. Common Metre. Warning to Magistrates.
GOD in the great assembly stands
And with impartial eye;
Beholds how rulers use their power
And does their actions try.
2
When justice reigns and right prevails,
The Judge their virtue loves;
But when Iniquity abounds,
Their deeds he disapproves.
3
The faithful voice of conscience speaks
In silence to their mind;
"How long will ye unjustly judge
And be to sinners kind?
4
"Protect the humble, help the poor,
The fatherless defend:
Dare not the widow to oppress,
And be the sufferer's friend.
[Page 126]
5"Remember tho' your seat is high
Your title Gods on earth,
Your heads must in the grave be laid▪
Like men of humbler birth.
6
"Your public acts and private deeds
Will into judgment come;
And from my lips must each receive
The most impartial doom."
7
Arise, O God, thy sacred truth
Thro' all the earth display;
Till every nation shall behold
And own thy righteous sway.
Psalm LXXXIII. Short Metre. Complain [...] against Persecutors.
AND will the God of grace
Perpetual silence keep?
When bloody men more fierce than wolves
Devour his harmless sheep?
2
Against thy feeble flock
Their counsels they employ;
And malice with her watchful eye
Pursues them to destroy,
3
"Come let us join, they say,
To extirpate the race;
Till dark oblivion shall prevail,
Their mem'ry to efface."
[Page 127]
4Awake, Almighty GOD,
And disappoint their aim,
Make them like chaff before the wind,
Or stubble to the [...]ame.
5
Then shall the nations know,
That glorious, faithful word,
"No human counsels or device
Can stand against the Lord."
Psalm LXXXIV. Long Metre. The pleasure of public worship.
GREAT God, attend while Zion sings
The joy that from thy presence springs,
To spend one day with thee on earth
Exceeds a thousand days of mirth.
2
The sparrow chuses where to rest
And for her young provides a nest;
But will my God to sparrows grant,
Those pleasures which his children want?
3
Might I enjoy the meanest place
Within thy house, O God of grace;
Not tents of ease nor thrones of power
Should tempt me to desert thy door.
4
God is our Sun, he makes our day
Gods is our shield, he guards our way,
From all th' assaults of hell and sin,
From foes without and foes within.
[Page 128]
5All needful grace will God bestow,
And crown that grace with glory too;
He gives us all things, and witholds
No real good from upright souls.
6
Blest are the men, whose stedfast mind
To Zion's gate is still inclin'd;
God is their strength and thro' the road
They lean upon their helper, GOD.
7
Cheerful they walk with growing strength,
Till all shall meet in heaven at length;
Till all before thy face appear,
And join in nobler worship there.
Psalm LXXXIV. First Part. Com. Met. Delight in divine ordinances.
MY heart and flesh cry out for thee
While far from thine abode;
When shall I tread thy courts and see
My Saviour and my God!
2
To sit one day beneath thine eye,
And hear thy gracious voice,
Exceeds a thousand days employ'd
In sin's voluptuous joys.
3
Much rather in God's house would I
The meanest office take,
Than in the wealthy tents of sin
My splendid dwelling make.
[Page 129]
4For God who is our Sun and shield
Will grace and glory give;
And no good thing will he withold
From them who justly live.
5
O God, whom heavenly hosts obey,
How highly blest is he,
Whose hope and trust securely plac'd
Are still repos'd on thee!
6
O could I o'er the spacious land
And sea extend my sway:
For one blest hour at thy right hand
I'd give them both away.
Psalm LXXXIV. Sec. Part. Com. Met. Delight in divine ordinances.
O LORD how worthy of our love
Is that delightful place,
Where we can meet to pray and hear
Thy word of truth and grace!
2
Our longing soul saints with desire
To tread that blest abode;
Our panting heart and flesh cry out
For thee, the living God.
3
There the great Monarch of the skies
His saving power displays,
And light breaks in upon our eyes,
With kind and quickning rays.
[Page 130]
4The birds more happy far than we
Around thy temple throng;
Securely there they build and there,
Securely hatch their young.
5
Thrice happy they whose choice has thee
Their sure protection made!
Who love to tread the sacred ways
Which to thy temple lead!
6
Thus they proceed by various steps,
And still approach more near,
Till all on Zion's heavenly mount
Before their God appear.
Psalm LXXXIV. Hallelujah Metre. The pleasure of public worship.
LORD of the worlds above,
How pleasant and how fair
The dwellings of thy love
Thy earthly temples are!
To thine abode, My heart aspires,
With warm desires, To see my God.
2
The sparrow for her young
With pleasure seeks a nest,
And wandering swallows long
To find their wonted rest;
With equal zeal, Lord I would wait
Within thy gate, And with thee dwe [...]
[Page 131]
3To spend one sacred day
Where God and saints abide,
Affords diviner joy
Than thousand days beside,
Where God resorts, I love it more
To keep the door, Than shine in courts.
4
O happy souls that pray
Where God appoints to hear!
O happy men that pay
Their constant service there!
They praise thee still, And happy they,
Who find the way To Zion's hill.
5
They go from strength to strength
Thro' this dark vale of tears,
Till each arrives at length,
Till each in heaven appears.
O glorious seat! When God our King
Shall thither bring Our willing feet!
Psalm LXXXV. Common Metre. Prayer for Public Deliverance.
THY favour, gracious Lord, display
Which we have long implor'd;
And for thy wond'rous mercy's sake
Thy heavenly aid afford.
2
Thine answer patiently we'll wait
For thou with glad success,
[Page 132]If they no more to folly turn
Thy mourning saints wilt bless.
3
To those who fear thy holy name,
Is thy salvation near;
And in its former happy state
Our nation shall appear.
4
For mercy now with truth is join'd
And righteousness with peace;
Those kind companions absent long
With friendly arms embrace.
5
Truth from the earth like fairest flowers
Shall spring and bloom around;
And justice from her heavenly seat
Behold and bless the ground.
6
The Lord will on our land bestow
Whatever thing is good;
The soil in plenty shall produce
Her fruits to be our food.
7
Before him righteousness shall go
And his just path prepare;
Whilst we his sacred steps pursue
With constant zeal and care.
Psalm LXXXV. Long Metre. Salvation by Christ.
SALVATION is forever nigh
The souls who fear and trust the Lord;
[Page 133]And grace, descending from on high
The hope of glory shall afford.
2
Mercy and truth on earth are met
Since Christ the Lord came down from heav'n;
By his obedience so complete,
Justice is pleas'd and peace is given.
3
Now truth and virtue shall abound,
Religion dwell on earth again,
And heavenly influence bless the ground
In our Redeemer's gentle reign.
4
His righteousness is gone before
To give us free access to God;
Our wandering feet shall stray no more,
But mark his steps and keep the road
Psalm LXXXVI. Ver. 8, 9, 10. L. Met. The only living and true God.
ETERNAL God, almighty cause
Of earth and seas and worlds unknown;
All things are subject to thy laws;
All things depend on thee alone.
2
Thy glorious being singly stands
Of all within itself possess'd;
Controul'd by none are thy commands,
Thou from thy self alone ar [...] blest.
3
To thee, alone ourselves we owe;
Let heav'n and earth due homage pay;
[Page 134]All other Gods we disavow,
Deny their claims, renounce their sway.
4
Spread thy great name thro' heathen land,
Their idol Deities dethrone;
Reduce the world to thy command
And reign, as thou art, God alone.
Psalm LXXXVII. Long Metre. The Church the birth place of Saints, (On opening a new place of worship.)
AND will the great eternal God
On earth establish his abode?
And will he from his radiant throne
Avow our temples as his own?
2
We bring the tribute of our praise,
And sing that condescending grace,
Which to our notes will lend an ear
And call us sinful mortals near.
3
Our father's watchful care we bless,
Which guards our synagogues in peace,
That no tumultuous foes [...],
To fill our worshipers with dread.
4
These walls, we to thy honour raise,
Long may they eccho with thy praise;
And thou descending fill the place,
With choicest tokens of thy grace.
[Page 135]
5Here let the great Redeemer reign,
With all the graces of his [...];
Whilst power divine his word attends,
To conquer foes and c [...]ea [...] his friends.
6
And in the great decisive day,
When God the nations shall survey,
May it before the world appear,
Thousands were born to glory here.
Psalm LXXXVIII. Ver. 10. L. Met. Reanimation. (Adapted to the design of humane societies.)
FROM thee, great Lord of life and death,
Do we receive our vital breath;
And, at thy sov'reign call, resign
That vital breath, that gift divine.
2
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead?
Wilt thou revive the lifeless head?
And from the silence of the grave,
Wilt thou the wretched victim save?
3
Such wonders, formerly unknown,
Thy providence to us hath shown;
To feeble man, thou dost impart
The plastic, life-redeeming art.
4
We bless thee for the skill and power,
From death's appearance, to restore;
[Page 136]This nice machine of curious frame;
And light again the vital flame.
5
May every life, by thee restor'd,
Be consecrated to the Lord;
May pious love inspire each breast,
Which has thy saving hand confess'd.
6
Again they must resign their breath,
And sink beneath the stroke of death;
When from that death they shall revive,
May each with thee in glory live.
Psalm LXXXVIII. Six Line-L. Met. On the death of friends.
O GOD of my salvation, hear
My nightly groans, my daily prayer,
That still employ my wasting breath;
My soul, declining to the grave,
Implores thy sovreign power to save,
From dark despair and gloomy death,
2
Thy wrath lies heavy on my soul,
And waves of sorrow o'er me roll,
Whilst dust and silence spread the gloom;
My friends, belov'd in happier days,
The dear companions of my ways,
Descend around me to the tomb.
3
As lost in lonely grief I tread
The silent mansions of the dead,
[Page 137]Or to some throng'd assembly go;
Thro' all alike, I rove alone,
Forgotten here, and there unknown,
The change renews my piercing woe.
4
Wilt thou neglect my mournful call?
Or who shall profit by my fall?
When life departs and love expires;
Can dust and darkness praise the Lord,
Or wake and brighten at his word,
To join the high angelic choirs?
5
My friends are gone, my comforts fled,
The sad remembrance of the dead
Recals my wandering thoughts to mourn;
But thro' each melancholy day,
I call on thee and still will pray,
Imploring still thy kind return.
Psalm LXXXIX. First Part. C. M. A blessed Gospel.
BLEST are the souls who hear and know
The Gospel's joyful sound;
Peace shall attend the path they go
And light their steps surround.
2
Their joy shall bear their spirits up
Thro' their Redeemer's name;
His promises exalt their hope
Nor Satan dares condemn,
[Page 138]
3The Lord our glory and defence
Strength and salvation gives;
Israel, thy king forever reigns
Thy God forever lives.
Psalm LXXXIX. Sec. Part. Com. Met. The Covenant of grace.
HEAR what the Lord in vision said
And made his mercy known?
"Sinners, behold your help is laid
On my beloved Son.
2
"Behold the man my wisdom chose,
Among your mortal race;
His head my holy oyl o'erflows,
The spirit of my grace.
3
"High shall he reign on David's throne,
My people's better king;
My arm shall put his rivals down,
And still new subjects bring.
4
"My truth shall guard him in his way
With mercy by his side;
While in my name, thro' earth and sea,
He shall in triumph ride.
5
"Me for his father and his God,
He shall forever own;
Call me his rock, his high abode,
And I'll support my Son,
[Page 139]
6My first-born Son, array'd in grace
At my right hand shall sit;
Beneath him, Angels know their place,
And Princes at his feet.
7
"My cov'nant stands forever fast
My promises are strong;
Firm as the Heavn's his throne shall last
His seed endure as long."
Psalm LXXXIX. Third Part. C. M. The Covenant of Grace.
"YET (saith the Lord) if David's race,
The children of my Son,
Should break my laws, abuse my grace,
And tempt my anger down;
2
"Their sins I'll visit with the rod,
And make their folly smart;
But never cease to be their God,
Nor from my truth depart.
3
"My cov'nant I will not revoke,
But keep my grace in mind;
And what eternal love hath spoke,
Eternal truth shall bind.
4
"Once have I sworn (I need no more)
And pledg'd my holiness:
To seal the sacred promise sure,
To David and his race.
[Page 140]
5"The Sun shall see his offspring rise,
And spread from sea to sea;
Long as he travels round the skies,
To give the nations day.
6
"Sure as the moon that rules the night,
His kingdom shall endure;
Till the fix'd laws of shade and light
Shall be observ'd no more."
Psalm LXXXIX. Six Line-L. M. Life, Death and the Resurrection.
THINK, mighty God, on feeble man!
How few his hours, how short the span!
Short from the cradle to the grave:
Who can secure his vital breath,
Against the bold demands of death,
With skill to fly, or power to save?
2
Lord, shall it be forever said,
"The race of men was only made
For sickness, sorrow and the dust?,'
Are not thy servants day by day
Sent to the grave, and turn'd to clay?
Lord, where's thy kindness to the just?
3
Hast thou not promis'd to thy Son,
And all his seed, a heavn'ly crown?
But flesh and sense indulge despair;
Forever blessed be the Lord,
[Page 141]That faith can read thy holy word,
And find a resurrection there.
4
Forever blessed be the Lord,
Who gives his saints a long reward,
For all their toil, reproach and pain,
Let all below, and all above,
Join to proclaim thy wondrous love,
And each repeat their loud amen.
Psalm LXXXIX. First Part. Long Met. The Covenant of Grace.
FOREVER shall my song record
The truth and mercy of the Lord;
Mercy and truth forever stand
Like heav'n establish'd by his hand.
2
Thus to his Son, he swore, and said,
"With thee my covenant is made;
In thee shall dying sinners live,
Glory and grace are thine to give.
3
"Be thou my prophet, thou my priest,
Thy children shall be ever blest;
Thou art my chosen king, thy throne
Shall stand eternal, as my own,
4
"There's none of all my saints above.
So much my image or my love,
Celestial powers thy subjects are;
Then what can earth with thee compare?
[Page 142]
5"David my servant, whom I chose,
To guard my flock to crush my foes,
And rais'd him to the Jewish throne
Was but the shadow of my Son."
6
Now let the church rejoice and sing
Jesus her Saviour and her king;
Angels his heavenly honours show,
And Saints declare his works below.
Psalm LXXXIX. Sec. Part. L. Met. Divine Sovereignty and public worship.
WHAT seraph of celestial birth
To vie with Israel's God shall dare?
Or who among the sons of earth,
Can with the mighty God compare?
2
Lord God of armies who can boast
Of strength and power like thine renown'd?
Of such a num'rous faithful host,
As that which does thy throne surround?
3
Thou dost the raging sea controul
And change the surface of the deep;
Thou mak'st the sleeping billows roll,
Thou mak'st the rolling billows sleep!
4
In thee, the sov'reign right remains
Of earth and heaven; thee, Lord, alone,
The world and all that it contains
Their maker and preserver own.
[Page 143]
5Happy, thrice happy they, who hear
The sacred trumpet's joyful sound;
And who among thy saints appear
With thy most glorious presence crown'd.
6
With rev'rence and religious dread
Thy saints will to thy temple press;
Thy fear thro' all their hearts shall spread
Who thy most holy name confess.
Psalm XC. Common Metre. Gods eternity and Man's mortality.
BEFORE the hills in order stood,
Or earth receiv'd her frame;
From everlasting, thou art GOD,
To endless years the same.
2
Thy word commands our flesh to dust,
"Return, ye sons of men;"
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.
3
A thousand ages in thy sight
Are like an evening, gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising Sun.
4
Time, like an ever-running stream
Bears all its sons away;
They fly forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
[Page 144]
5'Tis but a few whose days amount
To threescore years and ten;
And all beyond that short account
Is sorrow, toil and pain.
6
Then let us learn the heav'nly art
T'improve the hours we have;
That we may act the wiser part,
And live beyond the grave.
Psalm XC. Long Metre. Divine protection thro' every age.
THOU, Lord, thro' every changing scene,
Hast to thy saints a refuge been!
Thro' every age, eternal GOD,
Their pleasing home, their safe abode!
2
In thee our fathers sought their rest,
And were with thy protection blest;
Tho' in the shade of death they lie,
They'll rise and dwell above the sky.
3
Behold their sons, a feeble race!
We come to fill our fathers' place!
Our helpless state with pity view,
And let us share their refuge too.
4
Thro' all the thorny paths we tread,
Ere we are number'd with the dead;
When friends desert, and foes invade,
Be thou our all sufficient aid.
[Page 145]
5So when this pilgrimage is o'er,
And we must dwell on earth no more;
To thee, great God, may we ascend
And find an everlasting friend.
6
To thee our infant race we'll leave,
Them, may their father's God receive;
That voices yet unform'd may raise
Succeeding hymns of humble praise.
Psalm XC. Short Metre. The shortness of life.
LORD what a feeble piece,
Is this our mortal frame!
Our life, how poor a trifle 'tis
That scarce deserves the name!
2
Alas, the brittle clay.
That built our body first!
And every month, and every day,
'Tis mould'ring back to dust!
3
Then, if our days must fly,
We'll keep their end in sight;
We'll spend them all in wisdom's way,
And let them speed their flight.
[...]
They'll sooner waft us o'er
This life's tempestuous sea;
Then shall we reach the peaceful shore
Of blest eternity.
[Page 146]
Psalm XCI. Common Metre. Divine Protection, Resignation and Gratitude.
WHEN I survey life's varied scene,
Amidst the darkest hours;
Bright rays of comfort shine between,
And thorns are mix'd with flowers.
2
This thought can all my fears controul,
And bid my sorrows fly;
No harm can ever reach my soul,
Beneath my father's eye.
3
Whate'er thy sacred will ordains,
O give me strength to bear;
And let me know, my father reigns,
And trust his tender care.
4
If pain and sickness rend this frame
And life almost depart;
Is not thy mercy still the same,
To chear my drooping heart?
5
Is blooming health my happy share?
O may I bless my God;
Thy goodness let my song declare,
And spread thy praise abroad.
6
While such delightful gifts as these
Are kindly dealt to me;
Be all my hours of health and ease
Devoted, Lord, to thee.
7
If cares and sorrows me surround,
Their power why should I fear?
[Page 147]My inward peace they cannot wound,
If thou, my God, art near.
8
Thy sov'reign ways are all unknown
To my weak, erring sight;
Yet let my soul, adoring, own
That all thy ways are right.
Psalm XCII. Long Metre. For the Lord's day.
WELCOME, thou day of sacred rest!
No mortal cares shall fill my breast,
O may my heart in tune be found,
Like David's harp of solemn sound.
2
My heart shall triumph in my Lord,
And bless his works and bless his word;
Thy works of grace how bright they shine!
How deep thy counsels, how divine!
3
Fools never raise their tho'ts so high,
Like brutes they live, like brutes they die!
Like grass they flourish 'till thy breath,
Command them to the shade of death.
4
But I shall share a glorious part,
When grace hath purify'd my heart,
And fresh supplies of joy are shed
Like holy [...]il to chear my head.
[Page 148]
5Sin, my worst enemy before,
Shall vex my eyes and ears no more;
My inward foes shall all be slain,
Nor Satan break my peace again.
6
Then shall I see, and hear, and know,
All I desir'd or wish'd below;
And every power find full employ
In that eternal world of joy.
Psalm XCIII. Long Metre. Divine Sovereignty and Holiness.
THE Lord, the God of glory reigns,
In robes of majesty array'd;
The earth's foundations he sustains,
And rules the world his hand hath made.
2
Ere rolling seas began to move,
Or the blue heav'ns were stretch'd abroad;
Thy sacred throne was fix'd above,
From everlasting thou art God.
3
The floods, O Lord, lift up their voice
And toss their troubled waves on high;
But God above can still the noise,
And make the angry sea comply.
4
Thy righteous laws, O Lord, are sure,
And those who in thy presence dwell,
That happy station to secure,
Must still in holiness excell.
[Page 149]
Psalm XCIII. Particular Metre. Divine power, the Church's safety.
THE Lord Jehovah reigns,
And royal state maintains;
His head with awful glories crown'd;
Array'd in robes of light,
Begirt with sov'reign might,
And rays of majesty around.
2
Upheld by thy commands,
The world securely stands,
And skies and stars obey thy word;
Thy throne was fix'd on high,
Before the starry sky;
Eternal is thy kingdom, Lord.
3
In vain the noisy crowd,
Like billows fierce and loud,
Against thine empire rage and roar;
In vain with angry spite,
The surly nations fight,
And dash like waves against the shore.
4
Let floods and nations rage,
And all their powers engage,
Let swelling tides assault the sky;
The terrors of thy frown,
Shall beat their madness down;
Thy throne forever stands on high.
5
Thy promises are true,
Thy grace is ever new;
[Page 150]There fix'd, thy Church shall ne'er re [...]
Thy saints with holy fear,
Shall in thy courts appear,
And sing [...] everlasting love.
Psalm XCIV. Common Metre. Against wicked Rulers.
HOW long O Lord, shall wicked men
In splendid triumph ride!
How long shall haughty tyrants reign,
By violence and pride!
2
They say, "the Lord nor sees nor hears;
When will the fools be wise?
Can he be deaf who form'd their ears?
Or blind, who made their eyes?
3
He knows their impious tho'ts are vain,
And they shall feel his power;
His wrath shall pierce their souls with pa [...]
In some distressing hour.
4
Powers of iniquity may rise,
And frame pernicious laws;
But God, my refuge, rules the skies;
He will defend my cause.
5
When multitudes of mournful tho'ts
Within my bosom roll,
Thy grace which pardons all my faults▪
Shall chear my drooping soul.
[Page 151]
6Blest is the man, thy hands chastise
And to his duty draw;
Thy scourges make thy children wise,
When they forget thy law.
7
For God will not cast off his saints
Nor his own promise break;
He pardons his inheritance,
For his own mercy's sake.
Psalm XCV. Common Metre. Before Prayer.
SING to the Lord Jehovah's name,
And in his strength rejoice;
When his salvation is our theme,
Exalted be our voice.
2
With thanks approach his awful throne
And psalms of honour sing;
The great Jehovah reigns alone,
The whole creation's king.
3
Let princes hear, let angels know
How mean their natures seem;
Those gods on high and gods below,
When once compar'd with him.
4
Earth, with its caverns dark and deep
Lies in his spacious hand;
He fix'd the seas what bounds to keep,
And where the hills must stand.
[Page 152]
5Come and with humble souls adore,
Come kneel before his face;
O may the creatures of his power
Be children of his grace.
6
Now is the time, he [...]ends his ear
And waits for our request;
Come lest he rouse his wrath and swear
"Ye shall not see my rest."
Psalm XCV. First Part. Long Met. Public worship.
O COME loud anthems let us sing,
Loud thanks to our almighty king;
For we our voices high should raise,
When our salvation's rock we praise.
2
Into his presence let us haste,
To thank him for his favours past;
To him address, in joyful songs,
The praise that to his name belongs.
3
For God, the Lord, enthron'd in state,
Is with unrivall'd glory great;
A king superior far to all,
Whom by the title Gods, we call.
4
The depths of earth are in his hand,
Her secret wealth at his command;
The strength of hills that threat the skies
Subjected to his empire lies.
[Page 153]
5The rolling Ocean's vast [...]hyss
By the same sov'reign [...]ights is his;
'Tis mov'd by that almighty hand,
Which form'd and fix'd the solid land.
6
O let us to his courts repair,
And bow with adoration there!
Down on our knees devoutly all
Before the Lord our maker fall.
Psalm XCV. Sec. Part. Long Met. Canaan lost the [...] unbelief.
COME let our souls address the Lord,
Who fram'd our natures by his word;
He is our shepherd, we the sheep
His mercy chose, his pastures keep.
2
Come let us hear his voice to day,
The counsels of his love obey;
Nor let our hardned hearts provoke
Like Israel the avenging stroke.
3
Israel that saw his works of grace,
Yet tempt their M [...]ke [...] to his face;
A faithless unbelieving brood,
That tir'd the patience of their God.
4
Thus saith the Lord, "how false they prove,
Forget my power, abuse my love!
Since they despise my rest; I swear,
Their feet shall never enter there."
[Page 154]
5Look back, my soul, with holy dread,
And view those ancient rebels, dead,
Attend the offer'd grace to day,
Nor lose the blessing by delay.
6
Seize the kind promise, while it waits,
And march to Zion's heavenly gates;
Believe and take the promis'd rest,
Obey and be forever blest.
Psalm XCV. Short Metre. Before a sermon.
COME, sound his praise abroad,
And hymns of glory sing;
Jehovah is the sov'reign God,
The universal king.
2
He form'd the deeps unknown,
He gave the seas their bound;
The watery worlds are all his own,
And all the solid ground.
3
Come, worship at his throne,
Come, bow before the Lord;
We are his work, and not our own,
He form'd us by his word.
4
To day attend his voice,
Nor dare provoke his rod;
Come, like the people of his choice,
And own your gracious God.
[Page 155]
5But if your ears refuse,
The language of his grace;
And hearts grow hard like stubb [...] Jews▪
That unbelieving [...]ace.
6
The Lord in anger drest,
Will lift his hand and swear,
You, who despis'd my promis'd rest▪
Shall have no portion here.
Psalm XCVI. Particular Metre. Universal Praise.
LET all the earth their voices raise
To sing a lofty psalm of praise;
And bless the great Jehovah's name▪
His glory let the heathen know
His wonders to the nations show,
And all his works of grace proclaim.
2
Great is the Lord, his praise be great,
Who sits on high enthron'd in state,
To him alone let praise be giv'n;
Those Gods the heathen world adore,
In vain pretend to sov'reign power,
He only rules who made the heav'n.
3
He fram'd the globe, he spread the sky,
And all the shining worlds on high,
He reigns complete in glory there;
His beams are majesty and light,
His glories how divinely bright!
His temple how divinely fair!
4
Let heaven be glad, let earth rejoice,
Let ocean lift its roaring voice,
Proclaiming loud "Jehovah reigns;"
[Page 156]For joy let fertile valleys sing,
And tuneful groves their tribute bring▪
To him whose power the word sustains.
5
Come, the great day, the glorious hour,
When earth shall own, his sov'reign pow'r
And barb'rous nations fear his name;
Then shall the universe confess,
The beauty of his holiness,
And in his courts his grace proclaim.
Psalm XCVII. Long Metre. Grace and Glory.
TH' Almighty reigns exalted high,
O'er all the earth, o'er all the sky;
Let the whole earth in songs rejoice,
And hosts celestial join their voice.
2
Deep are his counsels and unknown,
But grace and tr [...]th support his throne;
Tho' gloomy clouds his feet surround,
Justice is their eternal ground.
3
Ye, who confess his holy name,
Hate every work of sin and shame;
He guards the souls of all his friends
And from the snares of hell defends.
4
Immortal light and joys unknown
Are for the saints in darkness sown,
Those glorious seeds shall spring and rise
And the bright harvest bless our eyes.
5
Rejoice ye righteous and record
The sacred honours of the Lord;
None but the souls who taste his grace
Can triumph in his holiness.
[Page 157]
Psalm XCVIII. Com. Metre. Blessings of the Messiah's kingdom.
TO our almighty maker, GOD,
New honours be address'd;
His great salvation shines abroad,
And makes the nations bless'd.
2
He spake the word to Abr'ham first,
His truth fulfils his grace;
The Gentiles make his name their trust,
And learn his righteousness.
3
Joy to the world! the Lord is come,
Let earth receive her king;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
4
Joy to the world! h [...] saviour reigns
Let men their songs [...];
White lands and seas, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.
5
No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor violence abound;
He comes to make his blessings flow,
Wherever man is found.
6
He rules the world with righteousness
And makes the nations prove,
The blessings of his truth and grace,
The wonders of his love.
[Page 158]
Psalm XCIX. Short Metre. A holy God worshipped with Reverence.
THE God, Jehovah reigns,
Le [...] all the nations fear;
Le [...] sinners tremble at his throne,
And saints be humble there.
2
Exalt the Lord, our God!
And worship at his feet;
His nature is all holiness,
And mercy is his seat.
3
When Israel was his Church,
When Aaron was his priest,
When MOSES cry'd, when SAMUEL pray'd,
He gave his people rest.
4
Oft he forgave their sins,
Nor would destroy their race;
And oft he made his vengeance known,
When they abus'd his grace.
5
Exalt the Lord our God,
Whose grace is still the same;
Still he's a God of holiness
And jealous for his name.
Psalm C. Long Metre. Praise to our Creator.
BEFORE Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations, bow with sacred joy;
[Page 159]Know, that the Lord is God alone,
He can create, and he [...]
2
His sov'reign power witho [...] [...]ur aid,
Made us of clay and form'd [...];
And when like wand'ring sheep we stray'd
He bro' [...] us to his fold again.
3
We are his people, we his care,
Our souls and all our mortal frame;
What lasting honours shall we rear,
Almighty maker, to thy name!
4
We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs,
High as the heav'n our voices raise;
And earth with her ten thousand tongues,
Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise.
5
Thou Lord art good, thou Lord art kind;
Great is thy grace, thy mercy sure;
And the whole race of men shall find
Thy truth from age to age endure,
6
Wide as the world is thy command;
Vast as eternity thy love:
Firm as a rock, thy truth shall stand,
When rolling years shall cease to move.
Psalm CI. Common Metre. A psalm for the Master of a family.
OF justice and of grace I sing,
And pay to God my vow [...]:
[Page 160]Thy grace and justice, heavenly king,
Teach me to rule my house.
2
Now to my [...] O God, repair,
And make thy servant wise;
I'll suffer nothing near me there,
That shall offend thine eyes.
3
The man who doth his neighbour wrong
By falshood or by force;
The scornful eye, the sland'rous tongue,
I'll drive them from my doors.
4
The pure, the faithful and the just,
My savour shall enjoy;
These are the friends that I will trust,
The servants I'll employ.
5
The wretch that deals in sly deceit,
I'll not endure a night;
The liar's tongue I eve [...]
And banish from my sig [...].
6
I'll purge my family around,
And make the wicked flee;
So shall my house be ever found,
A dwelling fit for thee.
Psalm CII. First Part. Common Met. Prayer heard, and Zion restored.
LET Zion and her sons rejoice▪
Behold the promis'd hour!
[Page 161]Her God hath heard her mourning voice,
And will exalt his power.
2
Her dust and ruins that remain,
Are precious in our eyes;
Those ruins shall be built again,
And all that dust shall rise.
3
The Lord will raise Jerusalem,
And stand in glory there;
Nations shall bow and own his name,
And worship in his fear.
4
He sits a sov'reign on his throne,
With pity in his eyes;
He hears the dying pris'ners groan,
And sees their wants arise.
5
He frees the souls condemn'd to death
And when his saints complain:
It can't be said they spent their breath,
Or shed their tears in vain.
6
This shall be known when we are dead,
And left on long record,
That ages yet unborn may read
And learn to trust the Lord.
Psalm CII. Sec. Part. Common Metre. The unchangeableness of God.
THOU, Lord, hast earth's foundation laid,
The heav'ns a glorious frame,
[Page 162]By thine almighty hand were spread,
And speak their maker's name.
2
Their shining glories all shall fade,
By thy controuling power;
Chang'd like a vesture when decay'd;
But thou shalt still endure.
3
Thy bright perfections, all divine,
Eternal as thy days;
Thro' everlasting ages shine,
With undiminish'd rays.
4
Thy servant's children, still thy care,
Shall own their father's God;
To latest times thy favour share,
And spread thy praise abroad.
Psalm CII. Ver. 24—27. Long. Met. Compared with Hebrews, i.8—12 xiii.8. The mortality of man, and the eternity of Christ.
IT is the Lord, our maker's hand
Weakens our strength amidst the race;
Disease and death, at his command,
Arrest us and cut short our days.
2
Spare us, O Lord aloud we pray,
Nor let our sun go down at noon;
Thy [...] are one eternal day;
And must thy people die so soon?
[Page 163]
3Yet in the midst of death and grief,
This tho't our sorrow shall assuage;
Our Father and our Saviour live,
Christ is the same thro' ev'ry age.
4
'Twas he this earth's foundation laid,
Heav'n is the building of his hand;
This earth grows old, these heavens shall fade▪
And all be chang'd at his Command.
5
The starry curtains of the sky
Like garments shall be laid aside;
But still thy throne stands firm and high,
Thy church forever must abide.
6
Before thy face, thy church shall live,
And on thy throne thy children reign;
This dying world shall they survive
And the dead saints be rais'd again.
Psalm CIII. First Part. Long Met. Praise to God for his goodness.
BLESS, O my soul, the living GOD,
Call home thy tho'ts that rove abroad;
Let all the powers within me join,
In work and worship so divine.
2
Bless, O my soul, the God of grace,
His favours claim thy highest praise;
Let not the wonders he hath wro't,
Be lost in silence and forgot.
[Page 164]
3The vices of the mind he heals,
And cures the pains that nature feels;
Redeems the soul from guilt, and saves,
Our wasting life from threatning graves.
4
Our youth decay'd, his power repairs,
His mercy crowns our growing years;
He satisfies our mouth with good,
And fills our souls with heavenly food.
5
He sees the oppressor and the opprest,
And often gives the sufferers rest;
But will his justice more display
In the last, great decisive day.
6
His power he show'd by Moses' hands,
And gave to Israel his commands;
But made his truth and mercy known,
To all the nations by his SON.
Psalm CIII. Sec. Part. Short Met. Divine mercy in the midst of judgment.
MY soul, repeat his praise,
Whose mercies are so great;
Whose anger is so slow to rise,
So ready to abate.
2
God will not always chide,
And when his wrath is felt;
His strokes are fewer than our crimes,
And lighter than our guilt.
[Page 165]
3High as the heavens are rais'd,
Above the ground we tread;
So far the riches of his grace
Our highest tho'ts exceed.
4
His grace subdues our sins;
And his forgiving love;
Far as the east is from the west,
Doth all our guilt remove.
5
The pity of the Lord
To those who fear his name,
Is such as tender parents feel;
He knows our feeble frame.
6
Our days are as the grass,
O [...] like the morning flower;
When blasting winds spread o'er the field
It withers in an hour.
7
But thy compassion, Lord,
Thro' ages shall endure;
And children's children ever find
Thy words of promise sure.
Psalm CIII. Third Part. C. M. God's tender regard to human weakness.
LORD, we thy wond'rous power proclaim,
And make that power our trust;
Which rais'd at first this curious frame,
From mean and lifeless dust.
[Page 166]
2By dust supported still it stands,
Prepar'd in various forms;
And wro't by thy creating hands,
To nourish mortal worms.
3
A while these frail machines endure;
The fabric of a day!
Then lose their animating power;
And moulder back to clay.
4
Yet frail and feeble as we are
This tho't is our repose;
That he who first our frame did rear,
Its various weakness knows.
5
He views us with a pitying eye,
While struggling with our load;
In pains and dangers he is nigh,
Our father and our God.
6
Gently supported by his love,
We tend to realms of peace;
Where every pain shall far remove,
And every frailty cease,
Psalm CIII. Fourth Part. Com. Met. Angelic Praise.
THOU, Lord in heav'n hast plac'd thy throne,
Thy kingdom wide extends;
Thy vast dominion shall be known,
To earth's remotest ends.
[Page 167]
2Ye angels who excel in might,
And wait to do his will;
Bless him, whose work is your delight
Whose pleasure ye fulfil.
3
Ye seraphs, who with joy obey
The orders of your king;
Attend his churches when they pray,
And join the praise they sing.
4
Whilst all his works his praise proclaim,
O let my heart and tongue,
Join with the universal frame
In this eternal song.
Psalm CIV. First Part. Long Met. Divine majesty and goodness in Storm and Rain.
AWAKE my soul to hymns of praise,
To God the song of triumph raise;
Adorn'd with majesty divine,
What pomp, what glory, Lord, are thine!
2
Light forms his robe, and round his head,
The heavens their ample curtain spread;
See, on the wind's expanded wings,
The chariot of the king of kings.
Around him rang'd in awful state,
Dark silent storms attendant wait;
[Page 168] [...] [...]nders ready to fulfil,
[...] his sovereign will.
4
F [...]m [...]arth's low margin to the skies,
He b [...]s the dusky vapours rise;
Then [...] his magazines on high,
Com [...]nds th [...] imprison'd winds to fly.
5
The lightning's pallid sheet expands,
And showers descend on furrow'd lands;
Whilst down the mountain's channel'd side,
The torrent rolls in swelling pride,
6
Till spent its wild impetuous force,
And settled in its destin'd course,
It waters all the fruitful plains,
And life in various forms sustains.
7.
Thus clouds and storms and f [...]es obey
Thy wise and all controuling sway;
And whilst thy terrors round us stand,
We see a father's bounteous hand.
Psalm CIV. Sec. Part. Long Metre. The Seaman's Prayer.
ALMIGHTY ruler of the skies,
How various are thy works! how wise!
Thy power throughout all space extends,
Sinks through all depth, all height transcends
2
Not earth alone beholds her shores,
Enrich'd by thy exhaustless stores;
[Page 169]Alike throughout their liquid reign,
The spreading seas thy gifts contain.
3
Beneath, unnumber'd fishes swarm,
Of different size, of various form;
Above, the ships incumbent ride,
Borne on the bosom of the tide,
4
Here, huge Leviathan is seen
To sport, the mighty waves between;
There, icy mountains float and roll,
Driv'n from the seas beneath the pole.
5
On high, the concave we behold
In living blue, or sparkling gold;
Whilst waving, azure fields around,
Spread to th' horizon's utmost bound.
6
The winds and waves obey thy will;
The needle owns thy power and skill;
And steer'd by thy directing hand,
Our bark shall gain the wish'd for land·
Psalm CIV. Third Part. Long Metre. Divine Providence toward Man and Beast.
VAST are thy works, Almighty Lord,
All nature rests upon thy word;
And the whole race of creatures stands,
Waiting their portion from thy hands.
2
If thou the vital air deny
Behold them sicken, faint and die;
[Page 170]Dust to its kindred dust returns,
And earth her ruin'd offspring mourns.
3
But thou canst breathe on dust again,
And fill the world with beasts and men;
A word of thy creating breath
Repairs the waste of time and death.
4
Thy glory, fearless of decline,
Thy glory, Lord, shall ever shine;
Thy works, the wonders of thy might
Are honour'd with thy own delight.
5
Earth at thy look shall trembling stand,
Conscious of sovereign power at hand;
And touch'd by thy vindictive stroke,
The everlasting mountains smoke.
6
In thee, our hopes and wishes meet,
And make our contemplations sweet.
Thy praises shall our breath employ,
Till we shall rise to endless joy.
Psalm CIV. Fourth Part. Long Metre. The voice of the Creatures proclaiming God.
THERE is a God, all nature speaks,
Through earth and air and seas and skies;
See, from the clouds, his glory breaks,
When the first beams of morning rise!
2
Behold, the sun serenely bright,
O'er the wide world's extended frame,
[Page 171]Inscribes in characters of light,
His mighty Maker's glorious name.
3
Diffusing life, his influence spreads,
And health and plenty smile around;
The fruitful fields and verdant meads
Are with a thousand blessings crown'd.
4
Almighty goodness, power divine,
The fields and verdant meads display;
And bless the hand which made them shine,
With various charms, profusely gay.
5
For man and beast, here, daily food
In wide extensive plenty grows;
And, there, for drink, the chrystal flood
In streams, sweet winding, gently flows.
6
By cooling streams and softning showers,
The vegetable race are fed;
And trees, and plants, and herbs and flowers,
Their Maker's constant bounty spread.
7
Ye curious minds, who roam abroad.
And trace creations's wonders o'er;
Confess the footsteps of the God,
Come bow before him, and adore.
Psalm CIV. Particular Metre.
PART I.
BLESS GOD, O my soul,
Rejoice in his name;
[Page 172]And let my glad voice
Thy greatness proclaim;
Surpassing in honor
Dominion and might;
Thy throne is the heaven,
Thy robe is the light.
2
The sky we behold
A curtain display'd,
The chambers of heaven
On waters are laid.
The clouds are a chariot
Thy glory to bear,
On winds thou art wafted,
Thou ridest on air.
3
As rapid as fire
Thy angels on high
Convey thy commands,
Thy Ministers fly.
The earth, on its basis
Eternal sustain'd,
Is fix'd in the station
Thy wisdom ordain'd.
4
The world, when at first
Of chaos compos'd,
Was void, without form,
In waters enclos'd;
Thy voice how majestie,
In thunder, was heard,
The waters subsided,
The mountains appear'd.
[Page 173]
PART II.
5
Thy providence fix'd
The stream and its source;
The sea knows its bounds,
The rivers their course.
Convey'd through dark channels,
Springs rise on the hills,
They burst in the fountains,
They fall in the rills.
6
The beasts of the wild
Their forest forsake;
The herd quits the field,
To drink of the lake:
On trees crown'd with blossoms
Its margin along,
Birds, warbling sweet music,
Praise GOD in their song.
7
Decending on hills
Clouds plenteousness pour.
All nature revives,
Earth smiles in the shower:
A garment of verdure
Apparels the plain;
Fruits swell in the garden,
Fields wave with their grain.
8
With moisture refresh'd
The vine yields its fruit,
'Tis balm to our hearts
To health a recruit.
[Page 174]With pleasure we gather
The richness of oil,
'Tis strength to our body▪
Support to our toil.
PART III.
9
The trees full of sap
With joy [...]ear their head,
The cedars their boughs
O'er Lebanon spread.
Secure in their covert
The bird flies for rest▪
She sings on the branches,
She broods on the nest.
10
The pine yields a home
The stork to secure.
The goat on the crag
Defies the pursuer.
Even creatures too feeble
Themselves to defend,
On caves and concealment,
For safety depend▪
11
The moon by thy law
Increases and wanes.
The sun keeps the course
Thy wisdom ordains.
By night the fierce Lion
R [...]ams wide for his prey,
But flies to his cavern
When morn brings the day.
[Page 175]
12Then man with the sun
His labor renews,
'Till evening arrives
That labor pursues.
Such, Lord, is the wisdom
Thy works all proclaim.
Let earth crown'd with riches
Rejoice in thy name!
PART IV.
13
Nor here only, Lord,
Thy might we adore,
The sea owns thy hand,
Thy wisdom and power;
There tribes without number,
Thy creatures, resort;
Leviathan gambols,
And whales take their sport.
14
There ships spread their sails
The surface to sweep.
There fish nimbly glide,
Conceal'd in the deep;
They all know their season,
As seasons arise;
And tribes, which thy bounty
Has made, it supplies.
15
Thy will and thy word
Endue them with breath,
Consum'd by thy blast
They shrink into death;
[Page 176]Restor'd at thy pleasure
New beings appear,
To people the waters
The earth and the air,
16
Rejoice then, O Lord,
In glory secure.
The works thou hast made
Through ages endure.
Yet, aw'd by thy presence,
When thou drawest near,
Smoke bursts from the mountains,
Earth trembles with fear.
17
Thus Lord let me sing
Thy glory to raise;
Delightful the strain
When tun'd to thy praise.
The vile have their sufferings,
The just their reward.
Bless GOD O my spirit!
O praise ye the Lord!
Psalm CV. Com. Metre. The divine promise to Abraham fulfilled.
GIVE thanks to God, invoke his name,
And tell the world his grace;
Sound thro' the earth his deeds of fame
That all may seek his face.
[Page 177]
2To Abr'ham and his seed he swore,
To give Canaan's land;
Tho' strangers, destitute of power
A little feeble band.
3
Like pilgrims thro' the countries round,
Securely they remov'd;
And haughty kings who on them frown'd,
Severely he reprov'd.
4
The Lord himself chose out their ways,
And mark'd their journies right;
Gave them his leading cloud by day,
A fiery guide by night.
5
They thirst, and waters from the rock,
In rich abundance flow;
And following still the course they took,
Ran all the desart through.
6
O wondrous stream! O blessed type!
Of ever flowing grace!
So Christ our rock maintains our life,
While we his footsteps trace.
7
Thus guarded by th' almighty hand,
The chosen tribes possess'd,
The blessings of the promis'd land,
And there enjoy'd their rest.
8
Then let the world forbear its rage,
Nor put the church in fear;
[Page 178]Israel must live thro' every age,
And be th' almighty's care.
Psalm CVI. First Part. Long Met. The character and final prosperity of the Righteous.
O RENDER thanks to God above,
The fountain of eternal love;
Whose mercy, firm thro' ages past
Has stood and shall forever last.
2
Who can his mighty deeds express,
Not only vast but numberless?
What mortal eloquence can raise,
Just tribute of immortal praise?
3
Happy are they and only they,
Who from thy precepts never stray!
Who know what's right, nor only so,
But always practise what they know.
4
Extend to me that favour, Lord,
Thou to thy chosen dost afford;
Be this my happiness to see,
Thy Church in full prosperity.
5
Remember what thy mercy did,
For Jacob's race, thy chosen seed;
And with the same salvation bless,
Each humble suppliant of thy grace.
6
O may I see thy tribes rejoice,
And aid the triumph with my voice▪
[Page 179]This is my glory Lord to be
Join'd to thy Church and near to thee.
7
Let Israel's God be ever blest,
Who gives his people heavenly rest;
Let all his saints with full accord,
Exalt their voice to praise the Lord.
Psalm CVI. Sec. Part. Short Met. Israel punished and pardoned: Or, the love of God unchangeable.
GOD of eternal love!
How fickle are our ways!
And yet how oft did Israel prove,
The riches of thy grace!
2
They saw his wonders wrought,
And then his praise they sung;
But soon his works of power forgot,
And murmur'd with their tongue.
3
Now they believe his word,
While rocks with water flow;
Now with their lusts provoke the Lord,
And dare the vengeful blow.
4
Yet when they mourn'd their faults
He hearkened to their groans;
Bro't his own cov'nant to his tho'ts,
And call'd them still his sons.
5
Their names were in his book,
He sav'd them from their foes;
[Page 180]Oft he chastis'd but ne'er forsook,
The people whom he chose.
6
Let Israel bless the Lord,
Who lov'd their ancient race;
And christians join the solemn word
Amen, to all the praise.
Psalm CVII. First Part. Long Met. Israel led thro' the wilderness to the land of promise.
GIVE thanks to God; he reigns above,
Kind are his tho'ts, his name is love;
His mercy ages past have known,
And ages long to come shall own.
2
Let the redeemed of the Lord,
The wonders of his grace record;
Israel, the nation whom he chose,
And rescu'd from their mighty foes▪
3
In their distress, to God they cry'd,
God was their saviour and their guide;
He led their march far wand'ring round,
'Twas the right path to Canaan's ground.
4
So when our first release we gain,
From sin's hard yoke and Satan's chain;
We have this desart world to trace,
A tiresome and a dang'rous place.
5
God feeds and clothes us all the way,
He guides our footsteps, lest we stray;
[Page 181]He guards us with a powerful hand,
And brings us to the heavenly land.
6
Then let us all with joy record,
The truth and goodness of the Lord;
How great his works, how kind his ways!
Let every tongue pronounce his praise!
Psalm CVII. Sec. Part. Long Metre. Correction for Sin, and relief to Prisoners.
FROM age to age, exalt his name,
God and his grace are still the same;
He fills the hungry souls with food,
And feeds them with substantial good.
2
But if their hearts rebel and rise,
Against the God, who rules the skies;
If they reject his heavenly word,
And slight the counsels of the Lord.
3
He'll bring their spirits to the ground,
And no deliv'rance shall be found;
Laden with grief, they waste their breath,
In darkness and the shades of death.
4
Then to the Lord, they raise their cries,
He makes the dawning light arise;
And scatters all that dismal shade,
Which hung so heavy o'er their head.
[Page 182]
5He cuts the bars of brass in two,
And lets the joyful pris'ner thro';
Takes off the load of pain and grief,
And gives the lab'ring soul relief.
6
O may the sons of men record,
The wond'rous goodness of the Lord;
How great his works! how kind his ways!
Let ev'ry tongue pronounce his praise!
Psalm CVII. Third Part. C. Met. Intemperance chastis'd and reformed.
BENEATH God's terrors doom'd to groan,
Behold th' intemp'rate band;
The fruits of folly reap, and own,
The justice of his hand.
2
From food estrang'd their languid soul
The needful meal foregoes;
Life feels its current faintly roll
And hastens to its close.
3
Distress'd, to God they make their pray'r,
And nature, joyous sees,
His word her ruin'd strength repair,
Her fiercest tortures ease.
O then that all would bless his name,
Who thus his mercy prove;
And still from age to age proclaim
The wonders of his love.
[Page 183]
5That men of various tongues would sing,
His acts it frequent lays;
And [...]ield to heav'n's eternal king,
The sacrifice of praise.
Psalm CVII. Fourth Part. Long. Met. Dangers and Deliverance by Sea.
THEY who in ships with courage bold,
O'er swelling waves their trade pursue;
The Lord's amazing works behold,
And in the deep, his wonders view.
2
Soon as his dread command is past,
The low'ring storm begins to rise;
It sweeps the sea with rapid haste
And makes the swelling billows rise.
3
The lab'ring ships borne up to heav'n
Upon the lofty waves appear;
Then down the deep abyss are driv'n,
Whilst ev'ry soul dissolves with fear.
4
They reel and stagger to and fro,
Like men with fumes of wine oppress'd;
Nor does the skillful seaman know,
Which way to steer▪ what course is best.
5
Then to the Lord's indulgent ear,
Their supplication they address;
He kindly, condescends to hear,
And frees them from their deep distress.
[Page 184]
6He bids the storm its fury cease,
And lays the bi [...]lows calm and still;
Then summons forth the gentle breeze,
The seaman's wishes to fulfil.
7
O then, that all the earth, with me,
Would God for all his goodness praise;
And for the mighty works which he
Throughout the wond'ring world displays.
Psalm CVII. Fifth Part. Long Metre. Colonies planted and punished.
WHERE nothing dwelt but beasts of prey,
Or men as fierce and wild as they;
God bids th' oppress'd and poor repair,
And builds them towns and cities there.
2
They sow the fields and trees they plant,
Whose yearly fruit supplies their want;
Their race grows up from fruitful stocks,
Their wealth increases with their flocks.
3
Thus they are blest; but if they sin,
He lets the savage nations in;
A hostile race invades their lands,
Their princes die by barb'rous hands.
4
Their captive sons, expos'd to scorn
Wander unpitied and forlorn;
The country lies unfenc'd, untill'd,
And desolation spreads the field.
[Page 185]
5Yet if the humbled people mou [...],
Again, his dreadful hand he turns;
Again he makes their cities thrive,
And bids the dying churches live.
6
The righteous, with a joyful sense,
Admire the works of Providence;
And wise observers still shall find,
The Lord is holy just and kind.
Psalm CVIII. Common Metre. A general song of praise.
O GOD my grateful soul aspires
To magnify thy name;
My tongue with cheerful songs of praise
Shall celebrate thy fame.
2
Awake, my heart, and thou, my voice,
Thy willing tribute pay;
And let a hymn of sacred joy
Salute the opening day.
3
To all the listening world, around,
Thy goodness I will sing;
Whilst every grateful tongue shall join
To praise th' eternal king.
4
Because thy mercy's boundless height
The highest heav'n transcends;
And far beyond the spreading earth
Thy faithfulness extends.
[Page 186]
5Be thou exalted, O my God,
Above the starry frame;
And let the world, with one consent,
Confess thy glorious name.
Psalm CIX. Common Met. Love to Enemies from the example of Christ.
O GOD we celebrate thy praise,
Thy mercy is our song;
Tho' sinners speak against thy grace,
With a blaspheming tongue.
2
When in the form of mortal man,
Thy Son on earth was found;
With cruel slanders, false and vain,
They compass'd him around.
3
Their mis'ries his compassion mov'd,
Their peace he still pursu'd;
They render'd hatred for his love,
And evil for his good.
4
Their malice rag'd, without a cause,
Yet with his dying breath,
He pray'd for murderers on his cross,
And bless'd his foes in death.
5
Let not this bright example shine
In vain before our eyes
May we like him to peace incline,
And love our enemies.
[Page 187]
6Thus shall we too thine image bear,
And thus our sonship prove▪
For good and bad thy bounty share,
Thou God of boundless love.
Psalm CX. Long Metre. The Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ.
THUS the eternal father spake,
To Christ his Son, "ascend and sit,
At my right hand, till I shall make,
Thy foes submissive at thy feet.
2
"From Zion shall thy word proceed,
Thy wo [...]d, the sceptre in thy hand
Shall make the hearts of sinners bleed.
And bow their wills to thy command.
3
"O blessed power! O glorious day!
A splendid vict'ry shall ensue!
And converts who thy grace obey
Exceed the drops of morning dew!"
4
God hath pronounc'd a firm decree,
Nor will repent the thing be swore;
"Eternal shall thy priesthood be,
When Aaron's sons shall serve no more.
5
"Melchizedek the wond'rous priest,
Whose generation was unknown,
The king of righteousness and peace,
Was a fair type of Christ my Son."
[Page 188]
6Thro' all the earth his reign shall spread,
And fierce opposers frown in vain;
For God shall raise his humble head,
And his exalted throne maintain.
Psalm CXI. Long Metre. The [...] perfections.
PRAISE ye the Lord; to speak his praise
My soul her utmost powers shall raise;
With private friends, and in the throng
Of those who to his house belong.
2
His works, for greatness tho' renown'd,
His wond'rous works are always found,
By those who seek for them aright.
And in the pious search delight.
3
His works are all of matchless fame,
And universal glory claim;
His truth, confirm'd thro' ages past▪
Shall to eternal ages last.
4
By precept, he has us enjoin'd
To keep his wond'rous works in mind;
And to posterity record,
How good and gracious is the Lord.
5
Just are the dealings of his hands,
Immutable are his commands;
By truth and equity sustain'd,
And for eternal rules ordain'd.
[Page 189]
6Who wisdom's sacred prize would win,
Must with the fear of God begin,
Immortal praise and heavenly skill
Have they who know and do his will.
Psalm CXII. Long Metre. The character and happiness of the liberal man.
THAT man is bless'd who stands in awe
Of God, and loves his sacred law;
His name on earth shall be renown'd,
And with increasing honour crown'd.
2
His hospitable house, shall be,
To friends and strangers always free;
His virtue safe from all decay,
Shall blessings to his heirs convey.
3
The man that's fill'd with virtue's light,
Shines brightest in affliction's night;
Compassion dwells within his mind,
His justice flows to all mankind.
4
His liberal favours he extends,
To some he gives, to others lends;
And what his charity impairs,
He saves by prudence in affairs.
5
Though dangers threaten him around,
Unmov'd shall he maintain his ground;
The sweet remembrance of the just,
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust.
[Page 190]
6His hands, whilst they his alms bestow'd,
His glory's future harvest sow'd;
Whence he shall reap a sure reward,
And dwell forever with the Lord.
Psalm CXIII. Long Metre. Divine greatness and condescention.
YE servants of th' almighty king,
In every age, his praises sing;
Where'er the circling sun displays
His rising beams or setting rays.
2
Above the earth, beyond the sky,
Stands his high throne of majesty;
Not time, nor nature's narrow rounds
Can give his vast dominion bounds.
3
What impious mortal rashly [...]are,
What angel, with our God compare?
His glories, how divinely bright,
Who dwells in uncreated light?
4
He bows his glorious head to view,
What the bright hosts of angels do;
And condescends yet more to know,
The mean affairs of men below.
5
From dust and cottages obscure,
His grace exalts the humble poor;
Gives them the honor of his sons,
And makes them meet for heav'nly thrones.
[Page 191]
Psalm CXIV. Long Metre. Miracles attending Israel's journey.
WHEN Israel free'd from Pharaoh's hand
Left the proud tyrant and his land,
The tribes with cheerful homage own
Their King, and Judah was his throne.
2
Across the deep, their journey lay,
The deep divides to make them way;
Jordan beheld their march and fled,
With backward current to his head.
3
The mountains shook like trembling sheep,
Like lambs, the smaller hills did leap;
Not Sinai on its base could stand.
Conscious of sov'reign power at hand.
4
What power could make the sea divide?
Or Jordan backward roll his tide!
Why did ye leap, ye little hills?
And whence the fright that Sinai feels?
5
Let ev'y mountain, ev'y flood
Retire, and know th' approaching God,
The King of Israel! see him here.
Tremble thou earth, adore and fear.
6
He thunders and all nature mourns;
The rock to flowing water turns;
From stones, spring fountains at his word,
And earth and seas confess the Lord.
[Page 192]
Psalm CXV. Long Met. Idolatry reproved.
NOT to ourselves, who are but dust,
Not to ourselves is glory due;
But to thy name, thou only just.
Thou only gracious, wise and true!
2
Thy dreadful majesty proclaim,
Nor let the heathen's haughty tongue,
Insult us, and to raise our shame,
Say "where's the God you've serv'd so long?"
3
The God we serve maintains his throne,
Above the clouds, beyond the skies;
Thro' all the earth his will is done,
He knows our groans, and hears our cries.
4
But the vain idols they adore
Are senseless shapes of stone or wood;
At best a mass of glittering ore,
A silver saint, or golden GOD.
5
O Israel, make the Lord thy hope;
Thy help, thy refuge, and thy rest;
The Lord shall build thy ruins up.
And bless the people and the priest.
6
The dead no more can speak thy praise,
They dwell in silence, in the grave;
But whilst we live, we'll sing thy grace.
And tell the world thy power to save.
[Page 193]
Psalm CXVI. Common Metre. Praise for deliverance from distress.
WHAT shall I render to my God,
For all his kindness shown?
My feet shall visit thine abode,
My songs address thy throne.
2
Among the saints, who fill thy house,
My off'rings shall be paid;
There shall my zeal perform the vows
My soul in anguish made.
3
How much is mercy thy delight,
Thou, ever blessed GOD!
How dear thy servants in thy fight!
How precious is their blood,
4
How happy all thy servants are!
How great thy grace to me!
My life, which thou hast made thy care
Lord, I devote to thee.
5
Here, in thy courts, I leave my vow,
And thy rich grace record;
Witness, ye saints, who hear me now,
If I forsake the Lord.
Psalm CXVII. Short Met. Praise to God from all Nations.
THY name, Almighty Lord,
Shall sound thro' distant lands,
[Page 194]Great is thy grace, and sure thy word,
Thy truth forever stands.
2
Far be thine honours spread,
Long may thy praise endure;
Till morning light and ev'ning shade
Shall be exchang'd no more.
Psalm CXVIII.v.18, 19. 1st Part. C.M Recovery from sickness.
SOV'REIGN of life, I own thy hand,
In ev'ry chast'ning stroke;
And whilst I smart beneath thy rod,
Thy presence I invoke.
2
To thee, in my distress, I cry'd,
Thy mercy lent an ear;
Thy powerful word my life prolong'd,
And bro't salvation near.
3
Unfold, ye ga [...]e [...] of righteousness,
That, with the pio [...] [...]hrong;
I may record my solemn vows,
And tune my grateful [...].
4
Praise to the Lord, whose gentle hand
Renews our lab'ring breath;
Praise to the Lord, who makes his [...]aints,
Triumphant in their death.
[Page 195]
5My God, in that appointed hour,
The heav'nly world display;
Where sin and death shall have no place,
And tears be wip'd away.
6
There, whilst the nations of the bless'd
With rapture sing around;
My anthems to delivering grace
In loftier strains shall sound.
Psalm CXVIII. Sec. Part. Com. Metre. For the Lord's day.
THIS is the day the Lord hath made,
He calls the hours his own;
Let heav'n rejoice, let earth be glad,
And praise surround thy throne.
2
This day, the Saviour left the dead,
And Satan's empire fell;
This day, the saints his triumph spread
And all his wonders tell.
3
Hosanna to th' anointed king,
To David's holy son;
Save us, O Lord, descend and bring
Salvation from thy throne.
4
Bless'd be the Lord, who comes to men,
With messages of grace;
Who comes in God, his father's name,
To save our sinful race.
[Page 196]
5Hosanna in the highest strains
The church on earth can raise;
The highest heav'ns in which he reigns
Shall give him nobler praise.
Psalm CXVIII. Short Metre. Salvation by Christ.
BEHOLD the corner stone!
Which God in Zion lays;
To build our heav'nly hopes upon,
And his eternal praise!
2
The Jewish scribe and priest
Reject it with disdain;
Yet on this rock shall Zion rest
And envy rage in vain.
3
The work, O Lord, is thine,
And wond'rous in our eyes;
This day declares it all divine,
This day did Jesus rise.
4
How glorious is the day,
By our redeemer made!
Let us rejoice and sing and pray,
Let all the church be glad.
5
Hosanna to the king,
Of David's royal blood!
Bless him, ye saints, he comes to bring
Salvation from your God.
[Page 197]
6We bless thy holy word,
Which all this grace displays;
And offer on thine altar, Lord,
Our sacrifice of praise.
Psalm CXIX. First Part. Com. Met. The happiness of a virtuous life.
HOW bless'd are they who always keep
The pure and perfect way!
Who never from the sacred paths
Of God's commandments stray!
2
How bless'd who to his righteous laws
Have still obedient been!
And have with humble servent zeal
His favour sought to win!
3
Such men their utmost caution use
To shun each wicked deed,
But in the path which he directs
With constant care proceed.
4
Thou strictly hast enjoin'd us, Lord
To learn thy sacred will,
And all our diligence employ
Thy statutes to fulfil.
5
O then, that thy most holy will
Might o'er our ways preside;
And we the course of all our life,
By thy direction guide!
[Page 198]
6Then with assurance should we walk
From all confusion free,
Convinc'd, with joy, that all our ways
With thy commands agree.
Psalm CXIX. Sec. Part. Com. Met. The danger attending youth.
INDULGENT God, with pitying eye
The sons of men survey;
And see how youthful sinners sport
In a destructive way.
2
In pleasure's flowery path they tread
On future years presume;
Altho' ten thousand snares are spread
To snatch them to the tomb.
3
Reduce, O Lord their wandering mind
Amus'd with [...] dreams,
That heavenly wisdom may dispel
Their visionary schemes.
4
With holy caution may they walk
And make thy word their guide;
Till each, the danger safely past
On Zion's hill abide.
[Page 199]
Psalm CXIX. Third Part. Com. Met. Repentance and obedience.
THOU art my portion, O my God,
Soon as I know thy way.
My heart prepares t' obey thy word
And suffers no delay.
2
I choose the path of heavenly truth
And glory in my choice;
Not all the riches of the earth
Can make me so rejoice.
3
The testimonies of thy grace
I set before my eyes,
Thence I derive my daily strength
And there my comfort lies.
4
If e'er I wander from thy path
I think upon my ways,
The turn my feet to thy commands
And trust thy pardoning grace.
5
If thou incline this wandering heart
Thy precepts to fulfil;
Then till my mortal life shall end
I shall perform thy will.
Psalm CXIX Fourth Part. Com. Met. Instruction from Scripture.
THY word is like a heavenly light,
Which guides us all the day;
[Page]And thro' the dangers of the night,
A lamp to lead our way.
2
When once it enters to the mind,
It spreads such light abroad,
The meanest souls instruction find,
And raise their thoughts to God.
3
The starry heavens thy rule obey,
The earth preserves her place;
In nature's volume night and day,
Thy power and skill we trace.
4
But in thy law and gospel, Lord,
Are lessons more divine;
Not earth stands firmer than thy word
Nor stars so nobly shine.
5
Thy word is everlasting truth
How pure is every page;
That holy book shall guide our youth,
And well support our age.
Psalm CXIX. Fifth Part. Long Metre. Godly sorrow for the sins of men.
ARISE, my tender thoughts, arise
Let torrents drown my weeping eyes,
And thou, my heart, with anguish feel
Those evils which thou canst not heal.
[Page]
2See human beings [...] in [...],
See scandals pour'd on Jesus' name;
See God insulted through his son,
The world abus'd the soul undone.
3
My heart with reverence hears thy word
And trembles at thy threatnings, Lord,
I know the wretched, dreadful end
To which their careless steps descend.
4
My God, the mournful scene I view,
With horror and with pity too;
O could my sympathy reclaim,
The wretches from destructive flame!
5
But feeble my compassion proves,
It can but weep, where most it loves;
Thy own all-saving grace employ
And turn these drops of grief to joy.
Psalm CXIX. Sixth Part. C. Met. Delight in the word of [...]
O HOW I love thy holy law,
'Tis daily my delight;
And thence my meditations draw
Divine advice by night.
2
My waking eyes prevent the day,
To meditate thy word,
[Page]
3When midnight darkness veils the skies,
I call thy words to mind,
My thoughts in warm devotion rise
And God's acceptance find.
4
How doth thy word my heart engage!
How well employ my tongue!
It cheers my tiresome pilgrimage,
And yields a heavenly song!
5
Am I a stranger or at home
'Tis my continual feast,
Nor honey dropping from the comb
So much allures the taste.
6
No treasures so enrich the mind,
Nor shall thy word be sold,
For loads of silver well refin'd,
Nor heaps of shining gold.
7
When nature sinks and spirits droop▪
Thy promises of grace
Are pillars to support my hope▪
And elevate my praise.
Psalm CXIX. Seventh Part. Com. Met. The variety and comfort of the divine word.
LORD I have made thy word my choic [...]
Thy statutes all are just;
[Page]
2Thy precepts often I survey,
And keep thy laws in sight;
Thro' all the business of the day,
To form my actions right.
3
And when my spirit takes her fill,
From fountains so divine;
Not mighty men that share the spoil,
Have joy compar'd to mine.
4
I read the histories of thy love;
And keep thy grace in sight;
Whilst through the promises I rove,
With ever new delight.
5
'Tis like a land of wealth unknown,
Where living springs arise;
Seeds of immortal bliss are sown,
And hidden glory lies.
6
The best relief that mourners have,
It makes our sorrows blest;
Our fairest hope beyond the grave,
And our eternal rest.
Psalm CXIX. Eighth Part. C. Met. The Perfection of Scripture.
LET all the heathen writers join,
To form one perfect book,
[Page 204]Great God, it once compar'd with thine,
How mean their writings look!
2
Not the most perfect rules they gave,
Could sh [...]w one sin forgiven;
Nor lead a step beyond the grave;
But thine conduct to heaven.
3
I've seen an end of what we call
Perfection, here below;
How short the powers of nature fall
And can no farther go.
4
But thy commands, O righteous Lord,
Pervade the heart within;
Thy perfect law, exceeding broad,
Detects the secret sin.
5
In vain we boast perfection here,
While sin defiles our frame;
And sinks our virtues down so far,
They scarce deserve the name.
6
Our faith, and love, and every grace
Fall far below thy word;
But perfect truth and righteousness
Dwell only with the Lord.
Psalm CXIX. Ninth Part. Com. Met. Desire of divine knowledge.
THY mercies fill the earth, O Lord,
How great thy works appear!
[Page 205]Open my eyes to read thy word
And see thy wonder [...] there.
2
My flesh by thy creating hands
Is form'd with care and skill;
O make me learn thy just commands
That I may them fulfill.
3
Since I'm a stranger here below,
Be thou my constant guide;
Direct the way my feet should go
Nor let me turn aside.
4
If thou to me thy statutes shew
And heavenly truth impart;
Thy work forever I'll pursue
Thy law shall rule my heart.
5
From those vain objects turn my sight,
Which this false world displays;
But give me heavenly power and light,
To tread thy righteous ways.
Psalm CXIX. Tenth Part. Com. Met. Breathing after holiness.
O THAT the Lord would guide my ways,
To keep his statutes still;
O that my God would grant me grace,
To know and do his will.
[Page 206]
2Send thy good spirit, Lord, to write
Thy law upon my heart,
Nor let my tongue indulge deceit,
Nor act the liar's part.
3
From vanity, turn off my eyes,
Let no corrupt design,
Nor covetous desires arise,
Within this soul of mine.
4
Order my footsteps by thy word,
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
My soul hath gone too far astray,
My feet too often slide;
O bring me back to virtue's way,
And be thy truth my guide.
6
Make me to walk in thy commands,
'Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head, or heart or hands
Offend against my God.
Psalm CXIX. Eleventh Part. C. Met. Holy Resolutions.
O THAT thy statutes every hour
Might dwell upon my mind!
Thence I derive a quickening power
And daily comfort find.
[Page 207]
2Thy wo [...] shall dwell upon my heart,
To keep me pure within;
And be an everlasting guard
From every rising sin.
3
To meditate thy precepts, Lord
Shall be my sweet employ,
My soul shall ne'er forget thy word,
Thy word is all my joy.
4
How would I run in thy commands,
If thou my heart discharge,
From sin's deceit and folly's bands,
And set my feet at large.
5
My lips with courage shall declare
Thy statutes and thy name;
I'll speak thy word though tyrants hear,
Nor yield to sinful shame.
6
Depart from me ye wicked race,
Whose hands and hearts are ill;
I love my God, I love his ways,
And must obey his will.
Psalm CXIX. Twelfth Part C. Met. The benefit of Afflictions.
CONSIDER all my sorrows, Lord,
And thy deliverance send;
My soul for thy salvation waits▪
When will my troubles end!
[Page 208]
2Yet I have found 'tis good for me,
To bear my father's rod;
Afflictions make me lea [...] the law,
And reverence my God.
3
This is the comfort I enjoy,
When new distress begins;
I read thy word, I run thy ways,
And hate my former sins.
4
Had not thy word been my delight;
When earthly joys were fled,
My soul, oppress'd with sorrows weight,
Had sunk among the dead.
5
I know thy judgments, Lord, are right
Though they may seem severe;
In all the sufferings I endure,
Thy grace and love appear.
6
Before I knew thy chastening rod,
My feet were apt to stray;
But now I learn to keep thy word,
Nor wander from thy way.
Psalm CXIX. Thirteenth Part. C. M. Prayer for quickening grace.
MY soul lies cleaving to the dust,
Lord, give me life divine;
From vain desires, and every lust,
Turn off these eyes of mine.
[Page 209]
2I need the influence of thy grace,
To speed me in my way;
Lest I should loiter in my race,
Or turn my feet astray.
3
When sore afflictions press me down,
I need thy quickening powers;
Thy word that I have rested on,
Shall help my heaviest hours.
4
Are not thy mercies sovereign still?
And thou a faithful God?
Wilt thou not grant me warmer zeal,
To run the heavenly road?
5
Does not my heart thy precepts love?
And long to see thy face?
And yet how slow my spirits move
Without enlivening grace!
6
Then shall I love thy gospel more,
And ne'er forget thy word;
When I have felt its quickening power,
To draw me near the Lord.
Psalm CXIX. Fourteenth Part. L. M. Afflictions sanctified.
FATHER, I bless thy gentle hand;
How kind was thy chastising rod?
That forc'd my conscience to a stand,
And brought my wandering soul to God!
[Page 210]
2Foolish and vain I went astray,
Ere I had felt thy scourges, Lord;
I left my guide and lost my way,
But now I love and keep thy word.
3
'Tis good for me to wear the yoke,
For pride is apt to rise and swell;
'Tis good to bear my father's stroke,
That I may learn his statutes well.
4
The law that issues from thy mouth
Shall raise my chearful passions more
Than all the treasures of the south,
Or western hills of golden ore.
5
Thy hands have made my mortal frame,
Thy spirit form'd my soul within;
Teach me to love thy holy name,
And guard me safe from every sin.
6
Then those who love and fear the Lord
In my salvation shall rejoice;
For I have trusted in thy word,
And make thy grace my only choice.
Psalm CXX. Common Metre. Complaint against Enemies.
THOU God of love, thou ever blest,
Pity my suff'ring state;
When wilt thou set my soul at rest,
From men who love deceit?
[Page 211]
2Ah, woe is me, to have my seat,
Among the sons of strife;
Perpetual insult doom'd to meet,
From men of restless life.
3
O might I fly to change my place,
I'd rather choose to roam,
In some wide, lonesome wilderness,
To find a silent home.
4
Peace is the blessing that I seek,
And friendly terms prepare;
But when to them of peace I speak,
They all for war declare.
5
New passions still their souls engage,
And keep their malice strong;
What shall be done to curb thy rage,
O thou, provoking tongue!
6
Should deadly arrows strike thee thro',
Strict justice would approve:
But I had rather spare my foe,
And melt his heart with love.
Psalm CXXI. Com. Metre. Divine preservation.
FROM Zion's hill, my help descends,
To God I lift mine eyes;
My strength alone on him depends,
Who built the earth and skies.
[Page 212]
2He, ever watchful, ever nigh,
Forbids my feet to slide;
No sleep, nor slumber seals the eye
Of Israel's faithful guide.
3
He will sustain my feeble powers,
With his almighty arm;
And watch my most unguarded hours
Against all fatal harm.
4
Then let my soul securely rest,
My guardian is the Lord;
His power which makes my slumber blest,
Protection will afford.
5
Nor scorching sun nor sickly moon,
Will he permit to smite;
He shields my head from burning noon,
From noxious damps by night.
6
At home, abroad, in peace, in war,
God will my life defend;
Conduct me free from every snare,
Safe to my journey's end.
Psalm CXXI. Hallelujah Metre. Divine preservation.
TO God I lift my eyes,
From whom is all my aid;
The God who built the skies,
And earth's foundation laid.
[Page 213]God is the tower
To which I fly;
His grace is nigh,
In every hour.
2
My feet shall never slide
And fall in fatal snares;
Since God, my heavenly guide
Will dissipate my fears.
Those wakeful eyes
Which never sleep;
Shall Israel keep,
When dangers rise.
3
No burning heat by day,
Nor blast of evening air;
Shall take my health away
If God be with me there.
Thou art my light,
And thou my shade;
To guard my head
By day or night.
4
Hast thou not promis'd Lord,
To save my soul from death?
And I can trust, thy word,
To keep my mortal breath.
I'll go and come,
Nor fear to die;
Till from on high,
Thou call me home.
[Page 214]
Psalm CXXII. Common Metre. For the Lord's day morning.
BEHOLD the rising dawn appear,
Which calls our willing feet;
To tread thy courts, O God, and there,
Our solemn praise repeat!
2
Fair Zion's gates are our delight,
Within her walls we stand;
And all her happy sons unite,
In friendship's sacred band.
3
We love the place where Zion's Lord,
Is pleas'd to shew his face;
Here he proclaims his holy word,
And here accepts our praise.
4
With reverend awe and godly fear,
We bow before thy throne;
For thou the fervent prayer wilt hear,
Thro' thy beloved Son.
5
Peace be within this hallow'd place,
And joy a constant guest;
With holy gifts and heav'nly grace,
Be her attendants blest.
6
Our soul shall pray for Zion still,
While life or breath remains;
For here our friends and brethren dwell.
And here our Saviour reigns.
[Page 215]
Psalm CXXII. Particular Met. The pleasure of public worship.
HOW does my heart rejoice,
To hear the public voice,
"Come let us seek our God, to day!"
Yes, with a cheerful zeal,
We'll haste to Zion's hill,
And there our vows and honours pay.
2
Zion, thrice happy place!
Adorn'd with wond'rous grace,
And walls of strength enclose thee round;
In thee our tribes appear,
To pray, and praise, and hear,
The sacred gospel's joyful sound.
3
Here David's holy Son,
Hath plac'd his royal throne,
He sits for grace and judgment here;
He bids the saints be glad,
He makes the wicked sad;
But humble souls rejoice with fear.
4
May peace attend thy gate,
And joy within thee wait,
To bless the soul of ev'ry guest;
The man who seeks thy peace,
And wishes thine increase,
A thousand blessings on him rest!
5
My tongue repeats her vows,
"Peace to this sacred house,"
[Page 216]For here my friends and brethren dwell;
And since my glorious God,
Makes thee his blest abode,
My soul shall ever love thee well.
Psalm CXXIII. Common Metre. Pleading with submission.
O THOU, whose grace and justice reign
Enthron'd above the sky;
To thee, our hearts would tell their pain,
To thee we lift our eye.
2
As servants watch their master's hand,
And dread the stern rebuke;
Or maids before their mistress stand,
And wait the peaceful look:
3
So for our sins we justly feel,
Thy righteous hand, O God;
Yet wait the gracious moment still,
Till thou remove thy rod,
4
Those who in ease and pleasure live,
Our daily groans deride;
And thy delays of mercy give,
Fresh courage to their pride.
5
Our foes insult us, but our hope
In thy compassion lies;
This thought shall bear our spirits up,
That God will not despise.
[Page 217]
Psalm CXXIV. Long Metre. Deliverance from Enemies.
HAD not the Lord, may Israel say.
Had not the Lord maintain'd our side,
When men to make our lives a prey,
Rose like the swelling of the tide;
2
The swelling tide had stopt our breath,
So fiercely did the billows roll;
We had been swallow'd deep in death,
The waters had o'erwhelm'd our soul.
3
We leap for joy, we shout and sing,
Who just escap'd the fatal stroke;
So flies the bird with lively wing,
When once the fowler's snare is broke.
4
Forever blessed be the Lord,
Who broke the fowler's deadly snare
Who sav'd us from the threatning sword,
And made our lives his watchful care.
5
Our help is in Jehovah's name,
Who form'd the earth and built the skies;
Who still upholds all nature's frame.
And guards his Church with wakeful eyes.
Psalm CXXV. Com. Met. Trial and Safety.
UNSHAKEN as the sacred hill,
And firm as mountains be,
[Page 218]When tempests rise, the soul shall stand,
That trusts, O Lord, in thee,
2
As lofty mountains stood to guard,
Fair Salem's happy ground;
So God's almighty power and love,
Enclose his Church around.
3
Though he permit the tyrant's rod,
T' inflict a chastening stroke;
Yet lest it wound the soul too deep,
Its fury shall be broke.
4
The Lord will gently deal with those,
Whose filial love and fear,
Whose faith and hope and every grace,
Proclaim their hearts sincere.
Psalm CXXVI. Com. Met. Remarkable deliverance.
WHEN God reveal'd his gracious name,
And chang'd our mournful state;
Our rapture seem'd a pleasing dream,
The work appear'd so great.
2
"Great is the work," our brethren cry'd,
And own'd the power divine;
"Great is the work," our souls reply'd,
"And be the glory thine."
[Page 219]
3The Lord can clear the darkest skies,
Can give us day for night;
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise,
To rivers of delight.
4
Let those who sow in sadness wait,
Till the fair harvest come;
They shall confess their sheaves are great,
And shout the blessings home.
5
The seed tho' buried long in dust,
Will not deceive their hope;
The precious grain cannot be lost,
For grace ensures the crop,
Psalm CXXVII. Common Metre. Success and prosperity from God.
IF God to build the house deny,
The builders work in vain;
Cities without his watchful eye
An useless guard maintain.
2
In vain we rise before the day
And late to rest repair;
Allow no respite to our toil
And eat the bread of care.
3
But if we trust our father's love
And in his ways delight;
He'll give us needful food by day
And quiet sleep by night.
[Page 220]
4Then children, relatives and friends
Shall real blessings prove;
And all the earthly joys he sends
Be crown'd with heavenly love.
Psalm CXXVIII. Long Metre. Family duties and blessings.
BLEST is the man who fears the Lord,
And walks by his unerring word;
Comfort and peace his days attend,
And God will ever prove his friend.
2
To him, who condescends to dwell
With saints in their obscurest cell;
Be our domestic altars rais'd,
And daily let his name be prais'd.
3
To him may each assembled house
Present their night and morning vows;
Their servants and their rising race
Be taught his precepts and his grace.
4
Then shall the charms of wedded love
Still more delightful blessings prove;
And parents hearts shall overflow
With joys that parents only know.
5
When nature droops, our aged eyes
Shall see our children's children rise;
Till pleas'd and thankful we remove,
And join the family above.
[Page 221]
Psalm CXXIX. Long Metre. (A new version.) The Counsels of Enemies disappointed.
HOW often have our restless foes
Their arts employ'd to vex our land!
But God did kindly interpose,
His power hath made our feet to stand.
2
By subtil wiles as dark as night,
Their malice lay a while conceal'd;
But soon the mischief sprang to light,
And all their projects stood reveal'd,
3
With pride and power and lifted hand,
They dealt their vengeful blows around;
Our backs were like the furrow'd land,
When ploughmen break the stubborn ground.
4
But secret arts and open force
Have never mov'd our stedfast feet;
His justice still maintains its course,
And he will all their plots defeat.
5
Like wither'd grass, their hopes shall fade,
Nor God nor man their counsels bless;
No friendly hand shall lend them aid,
No tongue shall wish them good success.
Psalm CXXX. Common. Metre. Repentance and pardon.
LORD, should'st thou call us to thy bar,
Should thine impartial hand
[Page 222]Avenge our sins against thy law,
What mortal flesh could stand!
2
But sovereign mercy dwells with thee,
Hope dawns amidst our fears;
Divine forgiveness large and free
Shall wipe our flowing tears.
3
On thee alone our souls would wait,
And in thy word would stay;
Thy promises can light create
And turn our night to day.
4
Just as the guards that keep the night
Long for the morning skies,
Watch the first beams of breaking light
And meet them with their eyes.
5
So wait our souls to see thy grace,
And more intent than they,
Meet the first openings of thy face,
And find a brighter day.
6
Let contrite sinners, on the Lord,
With humble hope recline;
Justice and mercy, in his word,
Harmoniously combine.
7
Unnumber'd though our sins appear,
And fill our hearts with pain;
Thy boundless love dispels our fear,
And cleanses every stain.
[Page 223]
Psalm CXXX. Long Metre.
FROM deep distress and troubled thoughts
To thee, my God, I raise my cry
If thou severely mark our faults,
What flesh could stand before thine eye.
2
But thou hast set thy throne of grace
Free to dispense thy pardons there;
That sinners may approach thy face,
And hope and love as well as fear.
3
As the benighted pilgrims wait,
And long and wish for breaking day;
So waits my soul before thy gate,
When will my God his face display?
4
My trust is fix'd upon thy word,
Nor shall I trust thy word in vain;
Let mourning souls address the Lord,
And find relief from all their pain.
5
Great is his love and large his grace,
Thro' the redemption of his son;
He turns our feet from sinful ways,
And pardons what our hands have done.
Psalm CXXXI. Common Metre. Humility and contentment.
IS there ambition in my heart?
Search gracious God, and see;
Or do I act a haughty part?
Lord, I appeal to thee.
[Page 224]
2Drive from the confines of my heart
All discontent and pride;
Nor let me in erroneous paths.
With thoughtless sinners glide.
3
Whate'er thine all discerning eye
Sees for thy creature fit,
I'll bless the good, and to the ill,
Contentedly submit.
4
With humble pleasure let me view
The prosp'rous and the great;
Malignant envy let me fly,
And odious self-conceit.
5
Let not despair nor fell revenge
Be to my bosom known;
O give me tears for others' woe,
And patience for my own.
6
Feed me with necessary food,
I ask not wealth or fame;
But give me eyes to view thy works,
And sense to praise thy name.
7
May my still days obscurely pass,
Without remorse or care:
And let me for the parting hour
Incessantly prepare.
[Page 225]
Psalm CXXXII. Common Metre. The Jewish and Christian Churches compared.
THE Lord in Zion plac'd his name,
His ark was settled there;
To Zion the whole nation came
To worship thrice a year.
2
Thither from Canaan's utmost ends,
The favour'd tribes resort;
And God his sure protection lends
While they approach his court.
3
But we have no such lengths to go
Nor such a tedious road;
Where'er thy saints assemble now
There is a house of God.
4
Arise, O king of grace, arise,
And enter to thy rest;
Lo thy church waits with longing eyes,
Thus to be own'd and blest.
5
Enter, with all thy glorious train,
Thy spirit and thy word;
All that the ark did once contain
Could no such grace afford.
6
Here, mighty God, accept our vows.
Here let thy praise be spread;
Bless the provisions of thy house,
And fill thy poor with bread.
[Page 226]
Psalm CXXXIII. Short Metre. Brotherly love.
BLEST are the sons of peace,
Whose hearts and hopes are one:
Whose kind designs to serve and please
Thro' all their actions run!
2
Blest is the pious house,
Where zeal and friendship meet;
Their songs of praise, their mingled vows
Make their communion sweet.
3
Thus on the heavenly hills
The saints are blest above;
Where peace like morning dew distills
And all the air is love.
Psalm CXXXIV. Long Metre. Daily and nightly devotion.
YE servants of th' eternal king,
Your grateful hymns in triumph sing;
Ye who attend his courts by day,
And in the night your homage pay.
2
Behold the sun, obedient still,
To execute his maker's will!
The silver moon and planets roll,
In silence round the glowing pole.
3
As they dispense their steady rays,
Like them, be constant in his praise▪
[Page 227]Like them, harmoniously join,
To celebrate the hand divine.
4
And may that God whose power has made
This earth, and heavn's wide arch display'd,
From sacred Zion bid you prove,
The blessings of his boundless love.
Psalm CXXXV. Common Metre. Praise to the true and living God.
AWAKE, ye saints, to praise your king
Your noblest passions raise;
The pious pleasure while you sing
Increasing with the praise.
2
Great is the Lord, and works of might
His majesty declare;
But still his saints are near his sight,
And find a parent's care.
3
Heaven, earth and sea confess his hand
He bids the vapours rise;
Lightning and storm at his command
Sweep thro' the vaulted skies.
4
All power that Kings or Gods have claim'd
Is found with him alone:
But heathen Gods should nee'r be nam'd
Where our Jehovah's known.
5
Which of the stocks or stones they trust
Can give them showers of rain?
[Page 228]In vain they pray to glittering dust,
And worship gold in vain.
6
But ye who know the living GOD,
Serve him with holy fear;
He makes his church his blest abode
And claims your homage here.
Psalm CXXXVI. Long Metre.
GIVE to our God immortal praise,
Mercy and truth are all his ways;
Wonders of grace to God belong
Repeat his mercies in your song.
2
Give to the Lord of Lords, renown,
The king of kings with glory crown
His mercies never shall decay
Tho' Lords and Kings shall pass away.
3
He built the earth, he spread the sky,
And fix'd the starry lights on high:
Wonders of grace to GOD belong,
Repeat his mercies in your song.
4
He gives the sun his cheering light,
He bids the moon direct the night;
His mercies never shall decay,
Tho' suns and moons shall pass away.
5
He sent his son with power to save▪
From sin and darkness and the grave;
[Page 229]Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat his mercies in your song.
6
Thro' this vain world he guides our feet,
And leads us to his heavenly seat:
His mercies ever shall endure
When this vain world shall be no more.
Psalm CXXXVI. Hallelujah Metre.
TO God, the mighty Lord,
Your joyful thanks repeat;
To him due praise afford
As good as he is great.
For God does prove,
Our constant friend;
His boundless love
Shall never end.
2
To him, whose wondrous power,
All other Gods obey;
Whom earthly kings adore,
This grateful homage pay.
For God will prove
Our constant friend;
His boundless love
Shall never end.
3
By his Almighty hand,
Stupendous works are wrought;
The heavens by his command
Were to perfection brought.
[Page 230]This God will prove
Our constant friend;
His boundless love
Shall never end.
4
Thro' heaven he doth display
The radiant orbs of light;
The sun to rule by day
The moon and stars by night,
This God will prove,
Our constant friend;
His boundless love,
Shall never end.
5
He spread the ocean round,
About the spacious land;
And made the solid ground,
Above the waters stand.
This God will prove,
Our constant friend;
His boundless love,
Shall never end.
6
He doth the food supply,
On which all creatures live;
To God, who reigns on high,
Eternal praises give.
This God will prove,
Our constant friend;
His boundless love,
Shall never end.
[Page 231]
Psalm CXXXVI. All Sevens Metre. The perfections and providence of God.
LIFT your voice and thankful sing,
Praises to your heavenly king;
For his blessings far extend,
And his mercy knows no end.
2
Be the Lord your only theme,
Who of Gods is God supreme;
He to whom all Lords beside,
Bow the knee, their faces hide.
3
Who asserts his just command,
By the wonders of his hand;
He whose wisdom, thron'd on high,
Built the mansions of the sky.
4
He who bade the watery deep,
In appointed bounds to keep
And the stars that gild the pole,
Thro' unmeasur'd ether roll.
5
Thee, O sun, whose powerful ray,
Rules the empire of the day;
You, O moon and stars, whose light,
Cheers the darkness of the night.
6
He with food sustains, O earth,
All which claim from thee their birth;
For his blessings wide extend,
And his mercy knows no end.
[Page 232]
Psalm CXXXVII. Common Metre. Captivity. (A new version.)
FAR from our friends and country dear
In hostile lands we moan;
No tender hand to wipe the tear
Which flows with every groan!
2
Our foes vindictive mock our grief,
And sport with our complaint [...];
No mercy prompts to give relief,
Tho' languid misery faints.
3
In retrospective scenes employ'd,
We think on former days;
When peaceful sabbaths we enjoy'd,
And all our work was praise.
4
But now, of liberty depriv'd,
In solitude confin'd;
In vain we seek the word of life
To seed the starving mind.
5
To thee, O Lord, we lift our eye,
To thee, our cause commend;
Thou hear'st the mourning pris'ner's sigh
Thou art the suff'rer's friend.
6
We seek no vengeance on our foes;
But put our trust in thee;
O let thy mercy interpose,
And set thy captives free.
[Page 233]
Psalm CXXXVIII. Common Metre. A song of Praise.
TO thee, my God, my heart shall bring
The lively grateful song;
Attending crouds shall hear me sing
With rapture on my tongue.
2
Amidst the glories of thy name
Thy truth exalted shines;
A faithful God, thy words proclaim
In everlasting lines.
3
Th' eternal God looks kindly down
On pious humble souls;
But from afar his piercing frown
The sons of pride controuls.
4
Thou, Lord, wilt all my hopes fulfil,
To thee, the work belongs;
Let endless mercy guide me still,
And tune my grateful songs.
Psalm CXXXVIII. Long Metre. Restoring and preserving mercy.
WITH all my powers of heart and tongue
I'll praise my maker in my song;
While holy zeal directs my eyes,
To thy fair temple in the skies.
[Page 234]
2I'll sing thy truth and mercy Lord,
I'll sing the wonders of thy word;
Not all thy works and names below
So much thy power and glory show.
3
The God of heaven maintains his state,
Frowns on the impious, proud and great;
But from his throne descends to see,
The sons of humble poverty.
4
Amidst a thousand snares I stand,
Upheld and guarded by thy hand;
Thy words my fainting soul revive,
And keep my dying faith alive.
5
Grace will complete what grace begins▪
To save from sorrows or from sins;
The work which wisdom undertakes
Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes.
Psalm CXXXVIII. ver. 3, 5. Short M [...] Spiritual Strength and Joy.
MY soul, review the time,
In which my God I fought;
I cry'd aloud for aid divine,
And aid divine he brought.
2
Tho' all my fainting heart,
His secret vigour spread;
To me his strength he did impart,
And rais'd my [...]oping head.
[Page 235]
3Then will Praise my voice,
And form a cheerful song▪
With all the saints I will rejoice,
Who to his courts belong.
4
With them, the path I'll trace
Which leads to his abode;
And join to sing redeeming grace,
Along the joyful road,
5
Here, flowers of paradise
In rich profusion spring;
There, Zion's lofty [...]owers arise▪
The seat of Zion's king.
6
Within those sacred walls,
I shall be ever blest;
I'll follow where my father calls,
And seek his heavn'ly rest.
Psalm CXXXIX. 1st. Part. Com. Met. The universal presence of God.
IN all my vast concerns with thee,
In vain my soul would try,
To shun thy presence, Lord, or flee,
The notice of thine eye.
2
Thy all-surrounding sight surveys
My rising and my rest;
My public walks, my private ways
And secrets of my breast.
[Page 236]
3My thoughts lie open to the Lord,
Before they're form'd within;
And e're my lips pronounce the word
He knows the sense I mean.
4
O wond'rous knowledge, deep and high!
Where can a creature hide?
Within thy circling arms I lie,
Beset on ev'ry side.
5
So let thy grace surround me still,
And like a bulwark prove;
To guard my soul from every ill,
Secur'd by sov'reign love.
Psalm CXXXIX. 2d. Part. C. Met. The all-seeing eye of God.
LORD, where shall guilty souls retire,
Forgotten and unknown?
In hell they meet thy dreadful ire,
In heaven thy glorious throne.
2
Should I suppress my vital breath,
T'escape the wrath divine;
Thy voice would break the bars of death,
And make the grave resign.
3
If wing'd with beams of morning light,
I fly beyond the west;
Thy hand which must support my flight
Would soon betray my rest.
[Page 237]
4If o'er my sins I think to draw
The curtains of the night;
Those flaming eyes which guard thy law
Would turn the shades to light.
5
The beams of noon, the midnight hour
Are both alike to thee;
O may I ne'er distrust that power
From which I cannot flee.
Psalm CXXXIX. 3d. Part. C. Met. God the author of our being.
GOD of my life, whose bounteous care
First gave me power to move;
How shall my grateful heart declare
The wonders of thy love?
2
Thee will I honour, for I stand,
The product of thy skill;
The wonders of thy forming hand
My admiration fill.
3
Whilst void of thought and sense I lay
Dust of my parent earth;
Thy breath inform'd the sleeping clay,
And call'd me into birth.
4
From thee, before my breath began
My limbs their fashion took;
And in continuance, every one
Was written in thy book.
[Page 238]
5Thine eye beheld in perfect view,
The yet unfinish'd plan;
Th' imperfect lines, thy pencil drew
And form'd the future man.
6
O may this animated frame
This work of matchless skill,
Be all devoted to thy name
And love to do thy will.
Psalm CXXXIX. 4th Part. Com. Met. Praise for temporal and spiritual mercies.
ALMIGHTY father, gracious Lord,
Kind guardian of my days;
My heart thy mercies would record,
In grateful songs of praise.
2
In life's first dawn, my tender frame,
Was thy indulgent care;
Before I could pronounce thy name,
Or breathe my infant prayer.
3
When reason with my stature grew,
How faint her brightest ray!
How little of my God I knew!
How apt from thee to stray!
4
When life hung trembling on a breath,
'Twas thine almighty love,
That sav'd me from impending death,
And bade my fears remove.
[Page 239]
5How many blessings round me shone,
Where'er I turn'd my eye!
How many past almost unknown,
Or unregarded, by!
6
Each rolling year new favours brought,
From thy exhaustless store;
But ah! in vain my lab'ring thought,
Would count thy mercies o'er.
7
Lord, when this mortal frame decays,
And every weakness dies;
Complete the wonders of thy grace,
And raise me to the skies.
8
Then shall my joyful powers unite,
In more exalted lays;
And join the happy sons of light,
In everlasting praise.
Psalm CXXXIX. 5th. Part. L. Met. The formation of body and soul.
THOU God, by whose command I live,
The tribute of my praise receive;
To thee, O Lord, my life I owe,
And all my joys from thee do flow.
2
Not many suns have form'd the year,
And roll'd their courses round the sphere;
Since thou my shapeless dust survey'd
In undistinguished matter laid.
[Page 240]
3Thy plastic hand my clay refin'd,
Its particles in order join'd;
And to complete the wondrous whole
Did stamp thine image on my soul.
4
A soul susceptible of joy,
Which length of time cannot destroy;
Tho' nature claims my vital breath
It bids defiance still to death.
5
To realms of bliss that soul will soar▪
When earth and skies shall be no more;
And there in more exalted [...]ays
Shall sing my great Creator's praise.
Psalm CXXXIX. 6th. Part. C. Met. To the searcher of hearts.
LORD, should I count thy mercies o'er,
How vast the numbers rise!
Beyond the sands that spread the shore,
Or stars that gild the skies.
2
Whene'er I close my eyes to sleep
These tho'ts shall sooth my rest;
And when I wake they still shall keep
Their place within my breast.
3
Before thine all pervading eyes.
I would my soul display;
I scorn to use the least disguise
But ask thy strict survey.
[Page 241]
4Does my fond heart some fav'rite sins
Within itself conceal!
O may a beam of light divine
The hidden guilt reveal.
6
If in the paths of dark deceit,
My soul hath gone astray;
O turn and guide my wand'ring feet
In thy celestial way.
Psalm CXL. Long Metre. Deliverance from Enemies.
GREAT God, our haughty foes repel,
Their rage by power superior quell;
Save us from their vindictive tongue.
And guard us from the hand of wrong.
2
The tongue, by wisdom unsubdu'd,
From bliss its owner shall exclude;
Destruction follows fast behind
The feet to wickedness inclin'd.
3
Our heart has known thee, Lord, prepar'd
The helpless and the poor to guard;
To save them from oppression's jaws,
And vindicate the injur'd cause.
4
The soul, subjected to thy fear
With gratitude thy voice shall hear;
Shall bow their wills to thy command
And in thy sight accepted stand.
[Page 242]
Psalm CXLI. Long Metre. Watchfulness and Brotherly reproof.
LORD, when I call, make haste to hear,
And to my voice incline thine ear;
So shall my prayer like incense rise,
My lifted hands like sacrifice.
2
O set upon my lips a guard,
And let my tongue be doubly barr'd;
Let not my heart to vice incline,
Nor let my hand in mischief join.
3
If e'er from wisdom's path I stray,
And walk in sin's delusive way;
Let virtue's friend, severely kind,
Reprove the errors of my mind.
4
Their faithful words like ointment shed,
Shall never bruise, but heal my head;
And when I find them press'd with grief,
I'll pray to heav'n for their relief.
Psalm CXLII. Long Metre. Deliverance from trouble and sorrow.
TO thee great God, I will disclose,
In sad recital all my woes;
Because thine eyes, with steady view,
Thro' sorrows gloom, my steps pursue.
[Page 243]
2On every side I cast mine eye,
But found no friend or helper nigh;
No lenient tongue my grief to cheer,
No eye to drop the social tear.
3
Then, mighty God, to thee I cry'd,
In whom I can my hopes confide;
Be thou my refuge, while I live,
And when I die, my soul receive.
4
Do thou my prison doors unbar,
So shall my tongue thy love declare;
And righteous men with me shall join
To celebrate thy power divine.
Psalm CXLIII. Long Metre. Complaint and Hope.
HEAR, O my God, with pity hear,
My humble, supplicating moan;
In mercy answer all my prayer,
And make thy truth and goodness known.
2
O let thy mercy still be nigh;
Should awful justice frown severe,
Before the terror of thine eye,
What trembling mortal can appear!
3
I call to mind the former days,
Thine ancient works declare thy name
Thy truth, thy goodness and thy grace;
And these, O Lord, are still the same.
[Page 244]
4To thee, I lift my suppliant hands,
To thee, my longing soul aspires;
As cheering showers to thirsty lands,
Thy grace can fill these strong desires.
5
Speak to my heart; the gloomy night
Shall vanish, and bright morning break;
In thee I trust, my guide, my light,
Teach me the path my feet should take.
6
Teach me to do thy sacred will,
Thou art my God, my hope, my stay;
Let thy good spirit lead me still,
And point the safe, the upright way.
Psalm CXLIV. Long Metre. Divine protection, Peace and Plenty.
DESCEND from heaven, almighty Lord,
And earth shall tremble at thy word;
The smoking hills, with conscious fear,
Shall own their sov'reign maker near.
2
Whilst thy keen pointed lightnings fly,
Like flaming arrows thro' the sky;
Our foes dispers'd shall rise no more;
Nor dare the terrors of thy power.
3
O let thy potent arm controul
These threat'ning waves that round us roll;
These sons of vanity that rise,
With fraudful hande and impious lies.
[Page 245]
4Then shall our sons, beneath thy care,
Grow up like plants erect and fair;
Our daughters shall like pillars rise,
Where splendid buildings charm the eyes.
5
Then plenty shall our stores increase,
Plenty, the lovely child of peace;
The flock its fleecy wealth shall yield,
And pour its thousands o'er the field.
6
The well-fed ox shall then afford
His cheerful labours to his Lord;
No more shall sons of plunder reign,
Nor sons of misery complain.
7
O happy people! favour'd state!
Whom such peculiar blessings wait;
Happy! who on the Lord depend,
Their help, their guardian and their friend,
Psalm CXLV. 1st. Part. Com. Met. The divine perfections and providence.
THEE will I bless, my God and king,
Thy endless praise proclaim;
This tribute daily will I bring,
And ever bless thy name.
2
Thou, Lord, art infinitely great,
And highly to be prais'd;
Thy majesty, with boundless height
Above our knowledge rais'd,
[Page 246]
3Renown'd for mighty acts, thy same,
To future time extends;
From age to age, thy glorious name,
Successively descends.
4
The fathers to the listening youth.
Shall teach thy wond'rous ways;
Ages to come proclaim thy truth,
And nations sound thy praise.
5
Thy glorious deeds of ancient date,
Shall thro' the world be known;
Thine arm of power, thy heav'nly state
With public splendor shown.
6
The world is govern'd by thy hands,
Thy saints are rul'd by love;
And thine eternal kingdom stands,
Tho' rocks and hills remove.
Psalm CXLV. 2d. Part. Com. Met. Divine Goodness:
GREAT is the Lord! our souls adore,
We wonder while we praise;
His power what creature can explore,
Or equal honours raise?
2
Thy name shall dwell upon my tongue,
While suns shall set and rise;
And tune my everlasting song
In realms beyond the skies.
[Page 247]
3Thy praise shall be my constant theme,
The wonders of thy power;
I'll speak the honours of thy name,
And bid the world adore.
4
But sweetly flowing strains shall tell:
The riches of thy grace;
And songs of grateful joy reveal
Thy spotless righteousness.
5
How large thy tender mercies are!
How wide thy grace extends!
On thy beneficence and care,
The universe depends.
6
To thee, O Lord, for daily meat,
Thy creatures lift their eyes;
On thee, their common father wait,
From thee receive supplies.
7
Thy sov'reign bounty freely gives
From thine exhaustless store;
And universal nature lives,
On thy sustaining power.
8
Holy and just in all its ways,
Is providence divine;
In all thy works, immortal rays
Of power and goodness shine.
[Page 248]
Psalm CXLV. 3d. Part. Com. Met. Divine power and compassion.
GREAT God, while nature speaks thy praise,
With all her num'rous tongues;
Thy saints shall tun [...] diviner lays.
And love insp [...]e their songs.
2
Thy power and goodness they shall sing,
The glories of thy reign;
Thy wond'rous deeds, almighty King,
Shall fill the raptur'd strain.
3
Thy kingdom, Lord, forever stands,
While earthly thrones decay;
And time submits to thy commands
While ages roll away.
4
He that invokes the God of grace
Shall find him ever near;
To all who humbly seek his face
He lends a pitying ear.
5
He knows the pain his servants feel,
He hears his children cry;
And their best wishes to fulfil,
His grace is ever nigh.
6
His mercy never shall remove
From men of heart sincere;
He saves the souls whose humble love
Is join'd with holy fear.
[Page 249]
His praise a most delightful theme,
Shall fill my heart and tongue;
Let all creation bless his name
In one eternal song.
Psalm CXLVI. Long Metre. No trust in man but in God.
THE praises of my God and King,
While I have life and breath to sing,
Shall fill my heart and tune my tongue,
Till heaven improve the blissful song.
2
No more in princes will I trust;
Vain man, thou art but air and dust!
With all thy pride, and all thy power,
The helpless creature of an hour!
3
He breathes, he thinks, but soon he dies▪
No more the potent or the wise;
The scheme his morning thoughts begun▪
Is lost before the setting sun.
4
Happy the man whose hopes divine
On nature's guardian God recline;
Who can with sacred transport say,
This God is mine, my help, my stay.
5
Heaven, earth and sea declare his name,
He built, he fill'd their spacious frame;
And o'er creation's fairest lines,
His stedfast truth unchanging shines.
[Page 230]
6His justice looks on those who mourn,
Beneath the proud oppressor's scorn;
The hungry poor his hand sustains,
And breaks the wretched captive's chains▪
7
If weary strangers friendless roam,
Divine protection is their home;
The Lord relieves the widow's care,
And dries the helpless orphan's tear.
8
The Lord shall reign for ever King,
And age to age his glory sing;
Thy God, O happy Zion, reigns,
Resound his praise in lofty strains.
Psalm CXLVI. Particular Met. Praise for divine goodness.
I'LL praise my maker with my breath,
And when my voice is lost in death,
Praise shall employ my nobler powers;
My days of praise shall ne'er be past,
While life and thought and being last,
Or immortality endures.
2
Why should I make a man my trust?
Princes must die and turn to dust;
Vain is the help of flesh and blood;
Their breath departs, their pomp and power
And thoughts all vanish in an hour,
Nor can they make their promise good.
[Page 251]
3Happy the man whose hopes rely
On Israel's God, who made the sky,
And earth and seas with all their train:
His truth forever stands secure;
He saves th' oppress'd, he feeds the poor,
And none shall find his promise vain.
4
The Lord hath eyes to give the blind,
The Lord supports the sinking mind,
He sends the lab'ring conscience peace;
He helps the stranger in distress,
The widow and the fatherless,
And grants the prisoner sweet release.
5
He loves his saints, he knows them well,
His love their joyful lips shall tell:
Thy God, O Zion, ever reigns:
Let every tongue, let every age
In this delightful work engage,
Praise him in everlasting strains.
6
I'll praise him, whilst he lends me breath,
And when my voice is lost in death,
Praise shall employ my nobler powers:
My days of praise shall ne'er be past,
While life and thought and being last;
Or immortality endures.
Psalm CXLVII. Common Metre. The changing seasons.
WITH songs and honours sounding loud,
Address the Lord on high;
[Page 252]Over the heavens he spreads his cloud,
And waters veil the sky.
2
He sends his showers of blessing down,
To cheer the plains be [...]ow;
He makes the wood the mountains crown,
And grass in vallies grow.
3
He gives the grazing ox his meat,
He hears the ravens cry;
But man who tastes his finest wheat,
Should raise his honours high.
4
His steady counsels change the face,
Of the declining year;
He bids the sun cut short his race,
And wintry days appear.
5
His hoary frost, his fleecy snow,
Descend and clothe the ground;
The liquid streams forbear to flow,
In icy setters bound.
6
When, from his dreadful stores, on high,
He pours the rattling hail,
The man who dares his God defy,
Shall find his courage fail.
7
He sends his sun to melt the snow,
The fields no longer mourn;
He calls the warmer winds to blow,
And bids the spring return.
8
The changing wind, the flying cloud
Obey his sovereign word;
[Page 253]With songs and honours sounding loud,
Praise ye th' almighty Lord.
Psalm CXLVII. 1st. Part. L. Met. The beauties of nature.
SING to the Lord, let praise inspire,
The grateful voice, the tuneful lyre;
In strains of joy proclaim abroad,
The endless glories of our God.
2
He counts the hosts of starry flames,
He knows their natures and their names;
Great is our God! his wond'rous power,
And boundless wisdom we adore.
3
He veils the sky with treasur'd showers,
On earth, the plenteous blessing pours;
The meadows smile in lively green,
And fairer blooms the flowery scene.
4
His bounteous hand, great spring of good,
Provides the brute creation food;
He feeds the ravens when they cry,
All nature lives beneath his eye.
5
In nature, what can him delight
Most lovely in its maker's sight?
Not active strength his favour moves,
Nor comely form he best approves.
6
But to the Lord is ever dear,
The heart where he implants his fear;
[Page 254]The souls who on his grace rely
Are ever lovely in his eye.
Psalm CXLVII. 2d. Part. Long Metre. The seasons of the year.
PRAISE ye the Lord! Oh blissful theme,
To sing the honours of his name!
'Tis pleasure, 'tis divine delight,
And praise is lovely in his sight.
2
He speaks, and swiftly from the skies,
To earth, the sov'reign mandate flies;
Observant nature hears the word,
And bows, obedient to her Lord.
3
Now thick descending flakes of snow
O'er earth, a fleecy mantle throw;
Now glittering frost, o'er all the plains
Extends its universal chains.
4
At his fierce storms of icy hail,
The shivering powers of nature fail;
Before his cold, what life can stand
Unshelter'd by his guardian hand?
5
He speaks, the snow and ice obey,
And nature's fetters melt away;
Now vernal gales soft rising blow,
And liquid waters gently flow.
6
Sing to the Lord, let praise inspire
The graseful voice, the tuneful lyre;
[Page 255]In strains of joy, proclaim abroad
The endless glories of our God▪
Psalm CXLVIII. 1st. Part. Com. Met.
PRAISE ye the Lord, immortal choir,
Who [...]ll the realms above,
Praise him, who form'd you of his fire,
And feed [...] you with his love.
2
Shine to his praise, ye chrystal skies,
The floor of his abode;
O [...] veil the lustr [...] of your eyes,
Before a brighter God.
3
Thou central globe of golden light,
Whose beams create ou [...] [...]ays;
Join with the silver queen of night,
To own your borrow'd rays.
4
Blush and refund the honours paid,
To your interior names;
Tell the blind world your orbs are fed,
By his exhaustless flames.
5
Winds, ye shall bear his name aloud,
Thro' the etherial blue!
For when his chariot is a cloud,
He makes his wheels of you.
6
Thunder and hail, and fire and storms
The troops of his command,
[Page 256]Appear in all your awful forms
And speak his potent hand.
Psalm CXLVIII. 2d. Part. C. Met.
SHOUT to the Lord, ye surging seas,
In your eternal roar;
Let wave to wave resound his praise,
And shore reply to shore.
2
While fishes sporting on the flood,
In scaly silver shine;
Proclaim their mighty maker God
Amidst the foaming brine.
3
But gentler things shall tune his name
To softer notes than these;
Young zephyrs breathing o'er the stream
Or whispering thro' the trees.
4
Wave your tall heads ye lofty pines
To him who makes you grow;
Sweet clusters bend the fruitful vine,
On every thankful bough.
5
Let the shrill birds his honour raise,
And climb the morning sky;
Whilst grov'ling beasts attempt his praise
In hoarser harmony.
6
Thus while the meaner creatures sing,
Ye mortals take the sound;
[Page 257]Echo the glories of your king
Thro' all the nations round.
Psalm CXLVIII. Long Metre.
FAIREST of all the lights above
Thou Sun, whose beams adorn the spheres
And with unwearied swiftness move.
To form the circles of our years.
2
Praise the creator of the skies,
Who dress'd thine orb in golden rays;
Or may the sun forget to rise
If he forget his maker's praise.
3
Thou reigning beauty of the night,
Fair [...]ee [...] of silence, silver moon,
Whose ge [...]e beams and borrow'd light
Are so [...]er rivals of the noon.
4
Arise, and to that sov' [...]eign power,
Wa [...]ing and waning honours pay;
Who bade thee rule the dusky hours,
And half supply the want of day.
5
Ye glittering stars that gild the skies
When darkness has its curtain drawn,
And keep your watch with wakeful eyes,
When business, cares and day are gone.
6
Proclaim the glories of your Lord,
Dispers'd through all the heavenly street
[Page 258]Whose boundless treasures can afford
So rich a pavement for his feet.
7
O God of glory, God of love,
Thou art our sun that makes our days,
With all thy shining works above
We would unite to sing th [...] praise.
Psalm CXLVIII. Short Metre.
LET every creature join
To praise th' eternal GOD,
Ye heavenly hosts, the song begin
And sound his name abroad.
2
Thou sun, with golden beams,
And moon, with paler rays,
Ye starry lights, ye twinkling flames,
Shine to your maker's praise.
3
He built those worlds above,
And fix'd their wond'rous frame;
By his command, they stand or move,
And ever speak his name▪
4
Ye vapours, when ye rise,
Or fall in showers, or snow,
Ye thunders murm'ring round the skies,
His power and glory show.
5
Wind, hail and flashing fire,
Agree to praise the Lord,
[Page 259]When ye in dreadful storms conspire
To execute his word.
6
By all his works above,
His honours be express'd;
[...] they who taste his saving love,
Should sing his praises best.
Psalm CXLVIII. 1st. Hallelujah Met. Universal Praise.
YE boundless realms of joy!
Exalt your maker's fame;
His praise your song employ,
Above the starry frame.
Ye holy throng Of angels bright,
In worlds of light, Begin the song.
2
Thou sun, with dazzling rays,
Thou moon that rules the night;
Shine to your maker's praise.
With stars of feebler light.
His praise declare, Ye heavens above,
And clouds that move, In liquid air.
3
Let them adore the Lord,
And praise his holy name;
By whose almighty word,
They all from nothing came.
And all shall last, From changes free,
His firm decree Stands ever fast.
[Page 260]
4He mov'd their mighty wheels,
In unknown ages past;
And each his word fulfils,
While time and nature last.
In different ways, His works proclaim,
His wond'rous name, And speak his praise.
5
United zeal be shown,
His wond'rous fame to raise,
Whose glorious name alone
Deserves our endless praise.
Earth's utmost ends His power obey;
His glorious sway, The sky transcends.
6
Virgins and youths engage,
To sound his praise divine;
While infancy and age
Their feebler voices join.
Wide as he reigns, His name be sung;
By every tongue, In endless strains.
7
Let all the nations fear
The [...] who rules above;
He brings his people near,
And makes them taste his love.
While earth and sky Attempt his praise,
His saints shall raise His honours high.
Psalm CXLVIII. 2d Hallelujah Metre. Praise from all the Creatures.
FIRST PART.
TO your Creator, God,
Your great preserver, raise,
[Page 261]Ye creatures of his hand,
Your highest notes of praise.
Let ev'ry voice Proclaim his power,
His name adore, And loud rejoice,
2
Let all creation join,
To pay the tribute due;
Ye heavenly hosts, begin,
And we shall learn of you.
Let nature raise, From every tongue,
A general song Of grateful praise.
3
Thou source of light and heat,
Bright ruler of the day,
Dispensing blessings round,
With all diffusive ray.
From morn to night, With every beam,
Record his name, Who gave thee light▪
4
Thou moon in radiance mild,
With all thy starry train,
Which rise in shining hosts,
To gild th' etherial plain;
With countless rays, Declare his name,
Prolong the theme, Reflect his praise.
5
Ye clouds, or fraught with showers,
Or ting'd with various dyes,
That pour your blessings down,
Or charm our gazing eyes;
His goodness speak,
His praise declare,
As thro' the air
You shine or break.
[Page 262]
6Ye winds, that shake the world,
With tempests on your wing,
Or breathe in gentle gales,
To waft the smiling spring;
Proclaim aloud, As you fulfill
His sov'reign will, The pow'rful GOD.
SECOND PART.
1
Ye rivers as ye flow,
Convey your maker's name,
Where'er you winding rove
On every silver stream.
Your cooling flood,
His [...]nd ordains,
To bless the plains;
Great spring of good!
2
Ye numerous bleating flocks
Far spreading o'er the plain,
With gentle artless voice,
Assist the humble strain.
To give you food, He bids the field
Its verdure yield, Extensive good.
3
Ye herds of nobler size,
Who graze in meads below;
Resound your maker's praise,
In each responsive low.
You wait his hand; The herbage grows,
The riv'let flows, At his command.
[Page 263]
4Ye feather'd warblers, come,
And bring your sweetest lays;
And tune the sprightly song
To your Creator's praise.
His work you are, He tun'd your voice,
And you rejoice Beneath his care,
THIRD PART.
1
Ye trees which form the shade,
Or bend the loaded bough;
With fruits of sweetest taste,
Your maker's bounty show.
From him you rose, Your vernal suits
And autumn fruits, His hand bestows.
2
Ye lovely, verdant fields,
In all your green array,
Tho' silent speak his praise
Who makes you bright and gay.
While we in you, With future bread,
Profusely spread, His goodness view.
3
Ye flowers, which bloom around
A thousand beauteous dyes,
Your fragrant odours breathe
A grateful sacrifice.
To him whose word, Gave all your bloom,
And sweet perfume; All bounteous Lord!
4
But, O, from human tongues,
Should nobler praises flow;
And every thankful heart
With warm devotion glow.
[Page 264]Your voices raise,
Ye highly blest,
Above the rest,
Declare his praise.
5
Assist me gracious God,
My heart, my voice inspire,
Then shall I grateful join
The universal choir,
Thy grace [...]n raise
My heart and tongue,
And tune my song,
To lively praise.
Psalm CXLVIII. Particular Metre.
BEGIN, my soul, th' exalted lay
Let each enraptur'd thought obey;
And praise th' almighty name;
Lo! heav'n, and earth, and seas and skies,
In one melodious concert rise
To swell th' inspiring theme.
2
Ye angels spread the joyful sound,
While all th' adoring throngs around
His wond'rous mercy sing;
Let every list'ning saint above,
Wake all the tuneful soul of love,
And touch the loudest strain.
3
Thou, heaven of heavens, his vast abode,
Ye clouds, proclaim your maker God,
[Page 265]Ye thunders, speak his power;
Lo! on the lightning's rapid wings
In triumph rides the king of kings
Th' astonish'd worlds adore.
4
Ye deeps, with roaring billows rise,
To join the thunder of the skies,
Praise him who bids you roll;
His praise in softer notes declare
Each whispering breeze of yielding air
And breathe it to the soul.
5
Wake, all ye soaring throng, and sing.
Ye cheerful warblers of the spring.
Harmonious anthems raise;
To him who shap'd your finer mould,
Who tip'd your glittering wings with gold,
And tun'd your voice to praise.
6
Let man, by nobler passions sway'd
The feeling heart, the reas'ning head,
In heavenly praise employ;
Spread the Creator's name around,
Till heav'ns wide arch repeat the sound,
The general burst of joy.
Psalm CXLIX. Particular Metre. Thanksgiving.
O PRAISE ye the Lord,
Prepare your glad voice:
His praise in the great
[Page 266]Assembly to sing.
In their great creator
Let all men rejoice;
And heirs of salvation
Be glad in their king.
2
Let them his great name
Devoutly adore;
In loud swelling anthems
His praises express,
Who graciously opens
His bountiful store,
Their wants to relieve, and
His children to bless.
3
With glory adorn'd,
His people shall sing
To God, who protection
And plenty supplies:
Their loud acclamations
To him, their great king,
Through the earth shall be sounded
And reach to the skies.
4
Ye angels above,
Who his glories have sung,
In strains more exalted
Now publish his praise:
We mortals delighted,
Would borrow your tongue;
Would join in your numbers,
And chant to your lays.
[Page 267]
Psalm CL. Long Metre. Praise.
PRAISE ye the Lord, let praise employ
In his own courts, your songs of joy;
The spacious firmament around
Shall echo back the joyful sound.
2
Recount his works in strains divine,
His wond'rous works, how bright they shine!
Praise him for all his mighty deeds,
Whose greatness all your praise exceeds.
3
Awake the trumpet's piercing sound,
To spread your sacred pleasure round;
While softer music tunes the lute.
The warbling-harp, the breathing flute.
4
Ye virgin train, with joy advance,
To praise him in the graceful dance;
Awake each voice and strike each string,
And to the solemn organ sing.
5
Let the loud cymbal sound on high
To softer, deeper notes reply;
Harmonious let the concert rise,
And bear the rapture to the skies.
6
Let all whom life and breath inspire
Attend and join the blissful choir;
But chiefly ye who know his word,
Adore and love and praise the Lord!
END OF THE PSALMS.
[Page]
ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF THE FIRST LINES OF THE PSALMS REFERRING TO THE PAGES.
- ALMIGHTY father, gracious Lord Page 238
- Almighty ruler of the skies Page 168
- And will the God of grace Page 126
- And will the great eternal God Page 134
- Approach ye piously dispos'd Page 57
- Arise my tender thoughts arise Page 200
- As pants the hart for cooling streams Page 69
- As showers on meadows newly mown Page 113
- Attend O earth when God declares Page 2
- Awake my soul to hymns of praise Page 167
- Awake ye saints to praise your King Page 227
- BEFORE Jehovah's awful throne Page 158
- Before the hills in order stood Page 143
- Begin my soul th' exalted lay Page 264
- Behold O God how cruel foes Page 122
- Behold the corner stone Page 196
- Behold the fool whose heart denies Page 84
- Behold the love the generous love Page 58
- Behold the morning Sun Page 32
- Behold the rising dawn appear Page 214
- Beneath God's terrors doom'd to groan Page 182
- Beneath my God's protecting arm Page 48
- Bless God O my soul Page 171
- Bless O my soul the living God Page 163
- Blest are the sons of peace Page 226
- Blest are the souls who hear and know Page 137
- Blest is the man who fears the Lord Page 220
- Blest is the man whose tender care Page 68
- Blest is the man who shuns the place Page 1
- COME let our souls address the Lord Page 153
- Come O ye saints your voices raise Page 51
- [Page]Come sound his praise abroad Page 154
- Consider all my sorrows Lord Page 207
- DAVID rejoiced in God his strength Page 34
- Deep in our hearts let us record Page 107
- EARLY my God without delay Page 93
- Eternal God almighty cause Page 133
- FAIREST of all the lights above Page 257
- Far from our friends and country dear Page 232
- Father I bless thy gentle hand Page 209
- Father I sing thy wond'rous grace Page 106
- Firm was my health my day was bright Page 50
- Fools in their hearts believe and say Page 17
- Forever shall my song record Page 241
- For thee O God our constant praise Page 97
- From age to age exalt his name Page 181
- From deep distress and troubled tho'ts Page 223
- From thee great Lord of life and death Page 135
- From Zion's hill my help descends Page 211
- GIVE ear my children to my law Page 120
- Give thanks to God he reigns above Page 180
- Give thanks to God invoke his name Page 176
- Give to the Lord ye sons of fame Page 47
- Give to our God immortal praise Page 228
- God in the great assembly stands Page 125
- God is our refuge in distress Page 75
- God is the Lord the heavenly king Page 99
- God my supporter and my hope Page 115
- God of eternal love Page 179
- God of my life whose bounteous care Page 237
- God of our strength to thee we cry Page 70
- God's perfect law converts the soul Page 29
- Great is the Lord our God Page 77
- Great is the Lord our souls adore Page 246
- Great God attend my humble call Page 108
- Great God attend while Zion sings Page 127
- Great God indulge my humble claim Page 94
- Great God our haughty foes repel Page 241
- [Page]Great God the heavens well ordered frame Page 31
- Great God while nature speaks thy praise Page 248
- Great God whose universal sway Page 111
- Great ruler of the earth and skies Page 74
- Great shepherd of thine Israel Page 123
- HAD not the Lord may Israel say Page 217
- Happy the nation where the Lord Page 55
- Hear O my God, with pity hear Page 243
- Hear what the Lord in vision said Page 138
- Help Lord for men of virtue fail Page 15
- He's blest whose sins have pardon gain'd Page 53
- High in the heavens eternal God Page 60
- How blest are they who always keep Page 197
- How does my heart rejoice Page 215
- How long O Lord shall wicked men Page 150
- How long wilt thou conceal thy face Page 16
- How often have our restless foes Page 221
- JESUS shall reign where'er the Sun Page 112
- If God to build the house deny Page 219
- I'll praise my maker with my breath Page 250
- In all my vast concerns with the Page 235
- In anger, Lord rebuke me not Page 8
- Incumbent on the bending sky Page 25
- Indulgent God with pitying eye Page 198
- In God most holy just and true Page 86
- In Judah God of old was known Page 118
- I [...] there ambition in my heart Page 223
- I set the Lord before my face Page 21
- It is the Lord our maker's hand Page 162
- Judge me O God and prove my ways Page 43
- I waited patient for the Lord Page 66
- LET all the earth their voices raise Page 155
- Let all the heathen writers join Page 203
- Let all the various tribes of men Page 37
- Let every creature join Page 258
- Let God arise in all his might Page 104
- Let heathens to their idols haste Page 21
- [Page]Let sinners take their course Page 83
- Let Zion and her sons rejoice Page 160
- Lift your voice and thankful sing Page 231
- Lord I have made thy word my choice Page 202
- Lord in the morning thou shalt hear Page 7
- Lord in thy great thy glorious name Page 51
- Lord let our humble cry Page 89
- Lord of the worlds above Page 130
- Lord should I count thy mercies o'er Page 240
- Lord should'st thou call us to thy bar Page 221
- Lord thou hast cast the nation off Page 90
- Lord thou hast seen my soul sincere Page 26
- Lord what a feeble piece Page 145
- Lord what a tho'tless wretch was I Page 214
- Lord what was man when made at first Page 11
- Lord we thy wond'rous praise proclaim Page 165
- Lord when I call make haste to hear Page 242
- Lord when thou didst ascend on high Page 105
- Lord where shall guilty souls retire Page 236
- Lord who's the happy man that shall Page 18
- MAKER and sovreign Lord Page 3
- My God how many are my fears. Page 4
- My God in whom are all the springs Page 87
- My God my everlasting hope Page 109
- My God permit my tongue Page 95
- My God the steps of pious men Page 63
- My God the visits of thy face Page 22
- My heart and flesh cry out for thee Page 128
- My Saviour my almighty friend Page 110
- My soul lies cleaving to the dust Page 208
- My soul repeat his praise Page 164
- My soul review the time Page 234
- My soul the awful hour will come Page 64
- My spirit looks to God alone Page 92
- My trust is in my heavenly friend. Page 9
- NO change of times shall ever shock Page 24
- Not to ourselves who are but dust Page 192
- [Page]Now be my heart inspired to sing Page 7 [...]
- Now in the hour of deep distress Page 35
- Now let our mournful songs record Page 36
- Now may the God of power and grace Page 33
- Now shall my solemn vows be paid Page 103
- Now to the Lord of heaven and earth Page 101
- O BLESSED souls are they Page 54
- O come loud anthems let us sing Page 152
- Of justice and of grace I sing, Page 159
- O for a shout of sacred joy Page 76
- O God of my salvation hear Page 136
- O God my grateful soul aspires Page 185
- O God we celebrate thy praise Page 186
- O how I love thy holy law Page 201
- O Lord how worthy of our love Page 129
- O Lord my rock to thee I cry Page 46
- O Lord our fathers oft have told Page 71
- O Lord to our request give ear Page 96
- On God my stedfast hopes rely Page 14
- O praise ye the Lord Page 265
- O render thanks to God above Page 178
- O that the Lord would guide my ways Page 205
- O that thy statutes every hour Page 206
- O thou to whom all creatures bow Page 10
- O thou who hear'st when sinners cry Page 82
- O thou whose grace and justice reign Page 216
- O were I like a feather'd dove Page 85
- PARENT of nature God supreme Page 116
- Parent of universal good Page 121
- Praise ye the Lord, immortal choir Page 2 [...]5
- Praise ye the Lord, let praise employ Page 266
- Praise ye the Lord, O blissful theme Page 254
- Praise ye the Lord, to speak his praise Page 188
- Preserve me Lord in time of need Page 20
- REJOICE ye righteous in the Lord Page 54
[Page]
- SALVATION is forev [...]r nigh Page 132
- Shall tyrants rule by impious laws Page 88
- Shew pity Lord, O Lord forgive Page 81
- Shout to the Lord, ye surging seas Page 256
- Sing to the Lord aloud: Page 124
- Sing to the Lord Jehovah's name Page 151
- Sing to the Lord let praise inspire Page 253
- Sing to the Lord who loud proclaims Page 1 [...]
- Sov'reign of life I own thy hand Page 194
- TEACH me the measure of my days Page 65
- Th' almighty reigns exalted high Page 156
- That man is blest who stands in awe Page 189
- Thee will I bless my God and King Page 245
- The God Jehovah reigns Page 1 [...]
- The God of glory is my light Page 44
- The heavens declare thy glory Lord [...]8 [...]0
- The king of Saints how fair his face Page 73
- The Lord himself the mighty Lord Page 87
- The Lord in Zion plac'd his name [...]5
- The Lord Jehovah reigns Page 149
- The Lord my pasture shall prepare [...]9
- The Lord my shepherd is Page 88
- The Lord the God of glory reigns Page 148
- The Lord the judge before his throne Page 79
- The Lord the judge his churches warns [...]0
- The Lord my Saviour is my light Page 45
- The praises of my God and king Page 249
- They who in ships with courage bold Page 183
- Think mighty God on feeble man Page 140
- This is the day the Lord hath made Page 195
- This spacious earth is all the Lord's Page 40·41
- Thou art my portion, O my God Page 199
- Thou God by whose command I live Page 239
- Thou God of love thou ever blest Page 210
- Thou Lord hast earth's foundation [...] laid Page 161
- Thou Lord in heaven hast plac'd thy throne Page 166
- Thou Lord thro' every changing scene Page 144
- Through all the changing scenes of life Page 56
- [Page]Thus the eternal father spake Page 187
- Thus far the Lord has led me on Page 6
- Thus saith the Lord your work is vain Page 67
- Thy favour grac [...]ous Lord display Page 131
- Thy mercy Lord my only hope Page 59
- Thy mercies fill the earth O Lord Page 204
- Thy name almighty Lord Page 193
- Thy [...] O God my heart avows Page 85
- Thy praise O God in Zion waits Page 100
- Thy word is like a heavenly light Page 199
- 'Tis by thy strength the mountains stand Page 98
- To bless thy chosen race Page 103
- To God I lift my eyes Page 42 212
- To God the mighty Lord Page 229
- To our almighty maker God Page 157
- To thee great God will I disclose Page 242
- To thee most holy and most high Page 117
- To thee my God, my heart shall bring Page 233
- To thine almighty arm we owe Page 27
- To your Creator God Page 260
- VAST are thy works almighty Lord Page 169
- Unshaken as the sacred hill Page 217
- WE bless the Lord the just the good Page 105
- Welcome thou day of sacred rest Page 147
- What s [...]raph of celestial birth Page 142
- What shall I render to my God Page 193
- What sinners value I resign Page 23
- When fancy spreads her boldest wings Page 5
- When God reveal'd his gracious name Page 218
- When Israel freed from Pharaoh's hand Page 191
- When I survey life's varied scene Page 146
- When overwhelm'd with pain and grief Page 91 119
- Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey Page 184
- With all my powers of heart and tongue Page 233
- With songs and honours sounding loud Page 251
- Who shall ascend thy heavenly place Page 19
- Why do the wealthy wicked boast Page 62
- [Page]Why doth the Lord stand off so far Page 13
- Why doth the man of riches grow Page 78
- Why should I vex my soul and fret Page 61
- YE boundless realms of joy Page 259
- Ye servants of the eternal king Page 226
- Ye servants of th' almighty king Page 190
- Yet saith the Lord if David's race Page 139
N. B. The hymns are placed in alphabetical order.
[Page]
HYMNS.
Hymn. I. Long Metre. Persecution.
1
ABSURD and vain attempt! to bind
With iron chains, the freeborn mind!
To force conviction, and reclaim
The wandering by destructive flame!
2
Bold arrogance, to snatch from heaven
Dominion not to mortals given!
O'er conscience to usurp the throne,
Accountable to God alone.
3
Mad zeal! that fills the world with woe!
That hurls down kingdoms at a blow!
That wakens vengeance to devour
The foes of antichristian power.
4
Jesus, thy gentle law of love,
Does no such cruelties approve;
Mild as thyself, thy doctrine wields
No arms, but what persuasion yields.
[Page 2]
5By proof [...] divine and reason strong,
It draws the willing soul along;
And conquests to thy church acquires,
By eloquence, which heaven inspires.
6
O happy▪ who are th [...] compell'd
To the rich feast, by Jesus held!
May we this blessing know, and prize
The light which liberty supplies.
Hymn II. Common Metre. The Resurrection of Christ.
1
AGAIN the Lord of life and light
Awakes the kindling ray,
Unseals the eyelids of the morn
And pours increasing day.
2
This day be grateful homage paid,
And loud hosannas sung;
Let gladness dwell in every heart,
And praise on every tongue.
3
Ten thousand differing lips shall join,
To hail this welcome morn;
Which scatters blessings from its wings▪
To nations yet unborn.
4
Jesus, the friend of human kind,
With strong compassion mov'd,
[Page 3]Came from the bosom of his God,
To save the souls he lov'd.
5
The powers of darkness leagu'd in vain,
To bind his soul in death;
He shook their kingdom when he fell,
With his expiring breath.
6
Not long, the bands of death could keep
The hope of Judah's line;
Corruption never could take hold,
On one so much divine.
7
Exalted high at God's right hand,
And Lord of all below;
Through him is pardoning love dispens'd,
And endless blessings flow.
8
Now to our Saviour and our King,
Glad homage let us give;
And be prepar'd like him to die
That with him we may live.
Hymn III. Long Metre. Holy Resolution.
1
AH, wretched souls, who strive in vain!
Slaves to the world and slaves to sin!
A nobler toil may I sustain,
A nobler satisfaction win.
[Page 4]
2I would resolve with all my heart,
With all my powers to serve the Lord;
Nor from his precepts e'er depart,
Whose service is a rich reward.
3
O be his service all my joy,
Around let my example shine;
Till others love the bless'd employ,
And join in labours so divine.
4
Be this the purpose of my soul,
My solemn, my determin'd choice;
To yield to his supreme control,
And in his kind commands rejoice.
5
O may I never faint nor tire,
Nor wander from thy sacred ways;
Great God, accept my soul's desire,
And give me strength to live thy praise.
Hymn IV. Common Metre. Watchfulness and Prayer.
1
ALAS what hourly dangers rise!
What snares beset my way!
To heaven, then let me lift my eyes,
And hourly watch and pray.
2
How oft my mournful thoughts complain,
And melt in flowing tears!
[Page 5]My weak resistance, all how va [...]!
How strong my foes and fears!
3
O gracious God, in whom I live,
My feeble efforts aid,
Help me to watch and pray and strive,
Though trembling and afraid.
4
Increase my faith, increase my hope,
When foes and fears prevail;
And bear my fainting spirit up,
Or soon my strength will fail.
5
When strong temptations fright my heart,
Or lure my feet aside;
My God, thy powerful aid impart,
My guardian and my guide.
6
Still keep me in thy heavenly way,
And bid the tempter flee;
And never, let me go astray,
From happiness and thee.
Hymn V. Long Metre. The Syro-Phenician Woman. Mat. xv.26, 27.
1
ALL-conquering faith! how high it rose!
When heaven itself might seemt'oppose!
All gracious Lord! who didst appear
Most merciful when most severe!
[Page 6]
2Thus, at thy feet, our souls would [...]ll,
And loudly thus for mercy call,
"Thou Son of David, pity snow,
And save us from th' infernal [...]
3
Though viler than the brutes we be,
Our longing eyes would wait on thee,
Who dost to dogs such grace afford,
To taste the crumbs beneath thy board.
4
But thou the humble soul wilt raise,
And all its sorrows turn to praise;
Each self abasing broken heart
Shall with thy children share a part.
Hymn VI. Short Metre. Christ the Branch of David, and the Morning Star.
1
ALL hail mysterious King!
Hail David's ancient root!
Thou righteous branch, which thence did spring,
To give the nations fruit.
2
Our weary souls shall rest,
Beneath thy grateful shade;
Our thirsting lips the sweets shall taste,
By thy blest fruit convey'd.
3
Fair morning star, arise!
With [...]ing glories bright;
[Page 7]And pour on th [...]se awakning eyes,
A stood of sacred light.
4
The horrid gloom is fled,
Pierc'd by thy heavenly ray;
Shine, and our wandering footsteps lead
To everlasting day.
Hymn VII. Common Metre. A Pillar in the heavenly Temple.
1
ALL hail, victorious Saviour, hail!
I bow to thy command,
And own that David's royal key
Well fits thy sovereign hand.
2
Open the treasures of thy love,
And shed thy gifts abroad;
Unveil to my rejoicing eyes,
The temple of my God.
3
There as a pillar let me stand,
On an eternal base;
Uprear'd by thy almighty hand,
And polish'd by thy grace.
4
There, deep engraven let me bear,
The title of my God;
And mark the new Jerusalem,
As my secure abode.
[Page 8]
5In lasting characters inscribe
Thy own beloved name;
That endless ages there may read
The great Immanuel's claim.
Hymn VIII. Long Metre. Uncharitable Judgment.
1
ALL-knowing God, 'tis thine to know
The springs whence wrong opinions flow;
To judge from principles within,
When frailty errs, and when we sin.
2
Who, among men, high Lord of all,
Thy servants, to his bar, may call?
Decide of heresy, and shake
A brother o'er the flaming lake?
3
Who, with another's eye, can read?
Or worship, by another's creed?
Revering thy command alone,
We humbly seek and use our own.
4
If wrong, forgive; accept, if right,
Whilst faithful we obey our light;
And, cens'ring none, are zealous still
To follow, as to learn, thy will.
[Page 9]
5When shall our happy eyes behold
Thy people, fashion'd in thy mould?
And charity our lineage prove,
Deriv'd from thee, O God of love?
Hymn IX. Long Metre. A Vision of the Lamb.
1
ALL mortal vanities, be gone!
Nor tempt my eyes nor tire my ears;
Behold before th' eternal throne,
A vision of the Lamb appears!
2
Glory his fleecy robe adorns,
Mark'd with the bloody death he bore;
Seven are his eyes and seven his horns,
To speak his wisdom and his power.
3
Lo! he receives a sealed book,
From him that sits upon the throne!
Jesus, my Lord, prevails to look,
On dark decrees and things unknown.
4
All the assembling saints around
Fall worshipping before the Lamb;
And in new songs of gospel sound,
Address their honours to his name.
5
Our voices join the heavenly strain,
And with transporting pleasure sing▪
[Page 10]Worthy the Lamb that once was slain,
To be our saviour and our king.
6
Thou hast redeem'd our souls from hell,
With thine inestimable blood;
And wretches who did once rebel
Are now made servants of their God.
7
Worthy forever is the Lord.
Who dy'd for treasons not his own▪
By every tongue to be ador'd,
And reign upon his father's throne.
Hymn X. Common Metre. The Marriage of the Lamb.
1
ALL ye who faithful servants are
Of our almighty king,
Both high and low, and small and great,
His praise devoutly sing.
2
Let us rejoice and render thanks,
To his most holy name;
Rejoice, rejoice, for now is come
The marriage of the Lamb.
3
His bride herself has ready made,
How pure and white her dress!
This is the saint's integrity,
And spotless holiness.
[Page 11]
4How happy then is every one,
Who to the marriage feast;
And holy supper of the Lamb,
Is call'd, a welcome guest.
Hymn XI. Particular Metre. Submission to the Divine Will.
1
ALMIGHTY King of heaven above,
Eternal source of truth and love,
And Lord of all below,
With reverence and religious fear,
Permit thy suppliants to draw near,
And at thy feet to bow.
2
Thy sovereign fiat form'd [...] first,
Thy breath can blow us back to dust,
Frail, sinful, mortal clay;
'Tis thine undoubted right to give,
Those earthly blessings we receive;
And thine to take away.
3
All things are under thy control,
Eternal wisdom rules the whole,
Educing good from ill;
Submissive therefore we resign,
Our wills are swallow'd up in thine,
In thy most holy will.
[Page 12]
4In heaven above, thy will is done,
There, angels wa [...] around thy throne,
Thy counsels to obey;
Adoring at thy feet they fall,
Confess thee, sovereign Lord of all,
And own thy powerful sway.
5
Lord, may we join the heavenly throng,
May mortals learn th' angelic song,
Who dwell beneath the sun;
May every tongue thy praise proclaim,
This be the universal theme,
"Jehovah's will be done."
Hymn XII. Short Metre. Humble Praise.
ALMIGHTY Maker, God,
How [...]ondrous is thy name!
Thy glories how diffus'd abroad
Throughout creation's frame.
2
Nature in every dress
Her humble homage pays,
And finds a thousand ways t'express
Thy goodness and thy praise.
3
In native white and red,
The rose and lilly stand,
And free from pride their beauties spread
To show thy skillful hand.
[Page 13]
4The lark mounts up on high
With unambitious song,
And bears her maker's praise on high,
Upon her artless tongue.
5
My soul would rise and sing,
To her creator too;
Fain would my tongue adore my king,
And pay the worship due.
6
But pride, that busy sin,
Spoils all that I perform,
Curs'd pride that creeps securely in,
And swells a wrethched worm.
7
Create my soul anew,
Or all my worship's vain;
This sinful heart will not be true
Till it be form'd again.
8
In joy then let me spend,
The remnant of my days;
And to my God my soul ascend,
In sweet perfume of praise.
Hymn XIII. Common Metre. Holy Fortitude.
1
AM I a soldier of the cross?
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own his cause,
O [...] blush to speak his name?
[Page 14]
2Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease?
Whilst others fought to win the prize,
And sail'd through bloody seas?
3
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must not I stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
4
Sure I must fight, if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy word.
5
Thy saints, in all this glorious war,
Shall conquer though they die;
They view the triumph from afar,
And seize it with their eye.
6
When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all thy armies shine,
In robes of vict'ry thro' the skies,
The glory shall be thine.
Hymn XIV. Common Metre▪ Christ our Example.
1
AND is the gospel peace and love?
Such let our conversation be,
The serpent blended with the dove,
Wisdom and meek simplicity.
[Page 15]
2Whene'er the angry passions rise,
And tempt our thoughts or tongues to strife;
To Jesus let us lift our eyes,
Bright pattern of the Christian life.
3
O how benevolent and kind!
How mild, how ready to forgive!
Be this the temper of our mind,
And these the rules by which we live.
4
To do his heav'nly father's will,
Was his employment and delight;
Humility and holy zeal
Shone through his life divinely bright.
5
Dispensing good where'er he came,
The labours of his life were love;
Then, if we bear the Saviour's name,
By his example let us move.
6
But, ah, how blind, how weak we are!
How frail, how apt to turn aside!
Lord we depend upon thy care,
We ask thy spirit for our guide.
7
Thy fair example may we trace,
To teach us what we ought to be;
Make us, by thy transforming grace,
O Saviour, daily more like thee.
[Page 16]
Hymn XV. Short Metre. Triumph over Death.
1
AND must this body die?
This mortal frame decay?
And must these active limbs of mine,
Lie mouldering in the clay?
2
Corruption, earth and worms
Shall but refine this flesh
Till my triumphant spirit comes
To put it on afresh.
3
Christ, my redeemer, lives,
And often from the skies,
Looks down and watches all my dust
Till he shall bid it rise.
4
Array'd in glorious grace,
Shall these vile bodies shine,
And every shape, and every face
Look heavenly and divine.
5
These lively hopes we owe
To Jesu's dying love;
We would adore his grace below,
And sing his power above.
6
O Lord, accept the praise
Of these our humble songs,
Till tunes of nobler sound we raise,
With our immortal tongues.
[Page 17]
Hymn XVI. Common Metre. For the New Year.
1
AND now, my soul, another year
Of my short life is past;
I cannot long continue here,
And this may be my last.
2
Much of my dubious life is done,
Nor will return again;
And swift my passing moments run▪
The few that yet remain.
3
Awake, my soul, with utmost care,
Thy true condition learn;
What are thy hopes, how sure, how fair?
And what thy chief concern?
4
With the new year, which now begins,
Begin thy race for heaven;
Repent of all thy former sins,
Reform and be forgiven.
5
Devoutly yield thyself to God,
To him thyself commend;
With zeal pursue the heavenly road,
Nor doubt a happy end.
[Page 18]
Hymn XVII. All Sevens Metre. The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.
1
ANGELS, roll the stone away,
Death, give up thy mighty prey;
See! he rises from the tomb,
Shining in immortal bloom.
2
'Tis the Saviour, Angels raise
Your triumphant song of praise;
Let the heaven's remotest bound
Hear the joy inspiring sound.
3
Now, ye saints, lift up your eyes,
Now to glory see him rise;
Mark his progress through the sky,
To the radiant world on high.
4
Heaven displays her chrystal gate;
Enter in thy royal state;
King of glory mount thy throne,
'Tis thy Father's and thy own.
5
Praise him all ye heavenly choirs,
Strike with awe, your golden lyres;
Shout, O earth, in rapturous song,
Let the strains be loud and strong.
6
To the list'ning nations tell,
Sin o'erthrown and vanquish'd [...]ell.
Where is death's once dreaded king!
Where, O monster, is thy sting!
[Page 19]
Hymn XVIII. Long Metre. The Sabbath.
1
ANOTHER six days work is done!
Another Sabbath is begun!
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest,
Inprove the day that God has bless'd
2
Come, praise the Lord, whose love assigns
So sweet a rest to weary minds;
Provides an antepast of heaven,
And gives this day the food of seven.
3
O that our thoughts and thanks may rise
As grateful incense to the skies;
And draw from heaven that sweet repose
Which none but he who feels it knows.
4
This heavenly calm, within the breast,
Is the dear pledge of glorious rest,
Which for the Church of God remains,
The end of cares, the end of pains.
5
With joy great God, thy works we view
In various scenes both old and new;
With praise we think on mercies past,
With hope we future pleasures taste.
6
In holy duties let the day,
In holy pleasures pass away;
The Sabbath thus we love to spend,
In hope of one which ne'er shall end.
[Page 20]
Hymn XIX. Six Line Long Metre. God's Name proclaimed to Moses.
1
ATTEND, my soul, the voice divine,
And mark what beaming glories shine,
Around thy condescending God:
To us, he in his word proclaims
His awful, his endearing names;
Attend, and found them all abroad.
2
"Jehovah I, the sov'reign Lord,
The mighty God by heaven ador'd,
Down to the earth my footsteps bend:
My heart the tenderest pity knows,
Goodness full streaming wide o'erflows,
And grace and truth shall never end.
3
"My patience long can crimes endure,
My pardoning love is ever sure,
When penitential sorrow mourns:
To millions, through unnumbered years,
New hope and new delight it bears,
Yet wrath against the sinner burns."
4
Make haste, my soul, the vision meet,
All prostrate at Jehovah's feet,
And drink the tuneful accents in.
Speak on, my Lord, repeat the voice,
Diffuse these heart-expanding joys,
Till heaven complete the rapt'rous scene.
[Page 21]
Hymn XX. Common Metre. The new Creation.
1
ATTEND, whilst God's exalted Son
Doth his own glories shew;
"Behold I sit upon my throne
Creating all things new!
2
"Old things are wholly pass'd away
And the first Adam dies;
My hands a new foundation lay,
See the new world arise!
3
"I'll be a sun of righteousness,
To the new heavens I make;
None but the new born heirs of grace
My glories shall partake."
4
Mighty Redeemer, set me free,
From my old state of sin;
O make my soul alive to thee,
Create new powers within.
5
Renew my eyes, and form my ears,
And mould my heart afresh;
Give me new passions, joys and fears,
And turn the stone to flesh.
6
Far from the regions of the dead
From sin and earth and hell;
In the new world which grace hath made
I would forever dwell.
[Page 22]
Hymn XXI. Long Metre Glory in the Cross.
1
AT thy command, our blessed Lord,
Here we attend thy dying feast;
Thy blood, like wine, adorns thy board,
And thy own flesh feeds every guest.
2
Our faith adores thy bleeding love,
And trusts for life in one that died;
We hope for heavenly crowns above,
From a Redeemer crucified.
3
Let the vain world pronounce its shame,
And fling its scandals on the cause;
We come to boast our Saviour's name,
And make our triumph in his cross.
4
With joy, we tell the scoffing age,
He that was dead hath left his tomb;
He lives above their utmost rage,
And we are waiting till he come.
Hymn XXII. Common Metre. The Incarnation of the Word.
1
AWAKE, awake the sacred [...]ong,
To our incarnate Lord!
Let every heart and every tongue
Adore the eternal Word.
[Page 23]
2That glorious Word, that sovereign power,
By whom the worlds were made;
O happy morn! illustrious hour!
Was once in flesh array'd.
3
Then shone almighty power and love,
In all their glorious forms;
When Jesus left the world above,
To dwell with sinful worms.
4
To dwell with misery below,
The Saviour left the skies;
And sunk to poverty and woe,
That wretched man might rise.
5
Adoring angels tun'd their songs
To hail the joyful day;
With rapture then let mortal tongues
Their grateful homage pay.
6
What glory, Lord, to thee is due!
With wonder we adore;
But could we sing as angels do
We'd love and praise thee more.
Hymn XXIII. Long Metre. Temptation without and within.
1
AWAKE, my soul, lift up thine eyes,
See how thy foes against thee rise,
In long array, a numerous host;
Awake, my soul, or thou art lost.
[Page 24]
2See how rebellious passions rage,
And fierce desire [...] and lusts engage;
See pleasure's silken banners spread,
And willing souls are captive led.
3
I tread upon enchanted ground,
Perils and snares beset me round;
O let me then guard every part,
But most, the traitor in my heart.
4
O teach thy servant how to wield
Blest Saviour, thy immortal shield;
Put on thy armour from above,
Of heavenly truth and heavenly love.
5
The terror and the charm repel,
The smiles of earth, the frowns of hell;
The tempter once thou didst subdue,
O make me more than conqueror too.
Hymn XXIV. Hallelujah Metre. The Lord's Day Morning.
1
AWAKE our drowsy souls!
Shake off each slothful band!
The wonders of this day
Our noblest songs demand.
Auspicious morn, Thy blissful rays
Bright seraphs hail, In songs of praise!
[Page 25]
2At thy approaching dawn,
Reluctant death resign'd
The glorious prince of life,
In the dark vault confin'd.
Th' angelic host Around him bends
And midst their shouts, The Lord ascends.
3
All hail triumphant Lord!
Heaven with hosanna rings;
Whilst earth in humbler strains,
Thy praise responsive sings.
Worthy art thou, Who once wast slain,
Thro' endless years, To live and reign.
4
Gird on, great King, thy sword,
Ascend thy conquering car,
Whilst justice, truth and love
Maintain the glorious war.
Victorious thou, Thy foes shalt tread,
And sin and death, In triumph lead.
5
Make bare thy potent arm,
And wing the unerring dart,
With salutary pangs
To each rebellious heart.
Then dying souls, For life shall sue,
Num'rous as drops, Of morning dew.
[Page 26]
Hymn XXV. Long Metre. The Christian Race.
1
AWAKE our souls, away our fears,
Let ev'ry trembling thought be gone;
Awake and run the heavenly race,
And put a cheerful courage on.
2
True 'tis a straight and thorny road,
And mortal spirits tire and saint;
If they forget the mighty God,
Who feeds the strength of every saint.
3
The mighty God, whose powerful hand
Has matchless works of wonder done;
And shall endure, whilst endless years
Their everlasting circles run.
4
From him, the overflowing spring,
Our souls shall drink a rich supply;
Whilst those who trust their native strength
Shall melt away, and droop and die.
5
Swift as an eagle cuts the air,
We'll mount aloft to thine abode;
On wings of love our souls will fly,
Nor tire amidst the heavenly road.
[Page 27]
Hymn XXVI. Long Metre. Benefit of Ordinances.
1
AWAY from every mortal care,
Away from earth, our souls retreat;
We leave this worthless world afar,
And wait and worship near thy feat.
2
Lord, in the temple of thy grace,
We bow before thee and adore;
We view the glories of thy face,
And learn the wonders of thy power.
3
Whilst here our various wants we mourn,
United prayers ascend on high;
And faith expects a sure return
Of blessings in variety.
4
If Satan rage and sin grow strong,
Here we receive some cheering word;
We gird the gospel armour on,
To fight the battles of the Lord.
5
Here, when our spirit faints and dies,
And conscience smarts with inward stings;
The sun of righteousness shall rise,
With healing beams beneath his wings.
[Page 28]
6Here would our ravish'd souls abide,
Or if from hence we must depart,
Let neither life nor death divide
Our God and Saviour from our heart.
Hymn. XXVII. Long Metre. The Word made Flesh.
1
BEFORE the heavens were spread abroad,
From everlasting was the Word;
With God he was, the Word was God,
And by th' angelic host ador'd.
2
By his great power, were all things made,
By him supported all things stand;
He is the whole Creation's head,
And Angels fly at his command.
3
Ere sin was born or Satan fell,
He led the host of morning stars!
Thy generation, who can tell?
Or count the number of thy years?
4
But lo, he leaves these heavenly forms,
The Word descends and dwells in clay;
That he may converse hold with worms,
Dress'd in such feeble flesh as they.
5
Mortals with joy beheld his face,
Th' eternal father's only Son;
[Page 29]How full of truth, how full of grace!
When thro his eyes, the Godhead shone▪
6
Arch-angels leave their high abode,
To learn new mysteries here, and tell
The love of our descending God,
The glories of Emmanuel.
Hymn XXVIII. Common Metre. Faith in the Promise of Salvation.
1
BEGIN, my tongue, some heavenly theme,
And speak some lofty thing;
The mighty works, or mighty name
Of our eternal King.
2
Tell of his wond'rous faithfulness,
Or sound his power abroad;
Sing the b [...]est promise of his grace,
And the performing God.
3
Proclaim salvation from the Lord,
To sinful, dying men;
His hand has writ the sacred word,
With an unerring pen.
4
Engrav'd as in eternal brass,
The gracious promise shines;
[Page 30]Nor shall the hand of time erase
Those everlasting lines.
5
Then why these doubts and sad complaints?
If Christ and we are one,
The word extends to all the saints,
Who humbly love the son.
6
By faith in this our souls have liv'd,
And part of heaven possess'd;
We'll praise him then for grace receiv'd,
And trust him for the rest.
Hymn XXIX. Particular Metre. The Resurrection and Glory of Christ.
1
BEHOLD! the bright morning appears,
And Jesus revives from the grave!
His rising removes all our fears,
And proves him almighty to save.
How strong were his tears and his cries!
The worth of his blood how divine!
How perfect his great sacrifice,
Who rose tho' he suffer'd for sin!
2
The man who was crowned with thorns,
The man who on Calvary died,
The man who bore scourging and scorn,
Whom sinners agreed to deride;
[Page 31]Now blessed forever is made,
And life has rewarded his pain;
Now glory has crowned his head,
This is the true lamb that was [...]
3
Believing we share in his joy,
By faith [...] of his rest,
With him we can cheerfully die,
For with him we hope to be blest.
'Tis Jesus the first and the last,
Whose spirit shall guide us safe home;
We'll praise him for all that is past,
And crust him for all that's to come!
Hymn XXX. Common Metre. Praise to the Lamb of God.
1
BEHOLD the glories of the Lamb
Amidst the father's throne!
Prepare new honours for his name,
And songs before unknown.
2
Let Elders worship at his feet,
The Church adore around;
With vials full of odours sweet,
With harps of sweeter sound.
3
Those are the offer'd prayers of saints,
And these the hymns they raise;
[Page 32]Jesus is kind to our complaints,
He loves to hear our praise.
4
Now, to the Lamb that once was slain,
Be endless blessings paid;
Salvation, glory, joy remain,
Forever on thy head.
5
Thou hast redeem'd our souls with blood,
Hast set the prisoners free;
Hast made us kings and priests to God,
And we shall reign with thee.
6
The worlds of nature and of grace,
Are put beneath thy power;
Then shorten these delaying days,
And bring the promis'd hour.
Hymn XXXI. Short Metre. The Nativity of Christ.
1
BEHOLD the grace appears!
The promise is fulfill'd;
Mary, the wond'rous virgin bears,
And Jesus is the Child.
2
To bring the glorious news,
A heavenly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears.
[Page 33]
3"Go humble swains, said he,
To David's city fly;
The promis'd infant born to day
Doth in a manger lie.
4
With looks, and hearts serene,
Go visit Christ your king."
And strait a flaming choir was seen
The shepherds heard them sing.
5
"Glory to God on high!
And heavenly peace on earth!
Good will to men, to angels joy,
At the redeemer's birth!"
6
In worship so divine,
Let saints employ their tongues;
With the celestial host we join,
And loud repeat their songs.
7
"Glory to God on high!
And heavenly peace on earth!
Good will to men, to angels joy,
At our redeemer's birth."
Hymn XXXII. Common Metre. The Ignorance of Man.
1
BEHOLD the new born infant, griev'd
With hunger, thirst and pain!
[Page 34]It cries to have its wants reliev'd,
But knows not to complain.
2
Such childhood yet I must confess,
Tho' long in years mature;
Unknow [...] [...] whence I feel distress,
And whe [...] to seek its cure.
3
Author of good! to thee I turn;
Thy ever watchful eye
Alone, can all my wants discern,
Thy hand alone supply.
4
O let thy fear within me dwell,
Thy love my footsteps guide;
That love shall vainer loves expel,
That fear, all fears beside.
5
And since, by error's force subdu'd,
My oft misguided will
Preposterous, shuns the latent good,
And grasps the specious ill;
6
Not to my wish, but to my want,
Do thou thy gifts apply;
Unask'd, what good thou knowest, grant,
What ill, tho' ask'd, deny.
[Page 35]
Hymn XXXIII. Long Metre. A grave and decent Deportment.
1
BEHOLD the sons and heirs of God
So dearly bought with Jesu's blood!
Are they not born to heavenly joys?
And shall they stoop to earthly toys?
2
Can laughter feed th' immortal mind?
Were spirits of celestial kind
Made for a jest, for sport, for play,
To wear out time and waste the day?
3
Doth vain discourse or empty mirth
Well suit the honours of their birth?
Shall they be fond of gay attire,
Which children love, which fools admire?
4
What if we wear the richest vest?
Peacocks and flies are better drest;
This flesh with all its gaudy forms,
Must drop to dust and feed the worms.
5
Lord, raise our hearts and passions higher,
Touch our vain souls with sacred fire;
Then, with a heaven-directed eye,
We'll pass these glittering trifles by.
6
We'll look on all the toys below,
With such disdain as angels do;
And wait the call that bids us rise,
To mansions promis'd in the skies.
[Page 36]
Hymn XXXIV. Common Metre. The repenting Prodigal.
1
BEHOLD the wretch whose lust and wine
Had wasted his estate!
He begs a share among the swine,
To taste the husks they eat.
2
"I die with hunger here, he cry'd,
I starve in foreign lands;
My Father's house has large supplies,
And bounteous are his hands.
3
I'll go, and with a mournful tongue,
Fall down before his face;
Father, I've done thy justice wrong,
Nor can deserve thy grace."
4
He said, and hastened to his home,
To seek his Father's love;
The Father saw the rebel come,
And all his bowels move.
5
He ran and fell upon his neck,
Embrac'd and kiss'd his son;
The rebel's heart with sorrow brake,
For follies he had done.
6
"Take off his clothes of shame and sin,
The Father gives command;
Dress him in garments white and clean▪
With rings adorn his hand.
[Page 37]
7A day of feasting I ordain,
Let mirth and joy abound;
My Son was dead, and lives again,
Was lost, but now is found·"
Hymn XXXV. Short Metre. Adoption.
1
BEHOLD, what wond'rous grace
The father hath bestow'd
On sinners of a mortal race,
To call them sons of God!
2
'Tis no surprising thing,
That we should be unknown;
The Jewish world knew not their King,
God's everlasting Son.
3
Nor doth it yet appear,
How great we shall be made;
But, when we see our Saviour here,
We shall be like our head.
4
A hope so much divine
May tryals well endure;
May cleanse our souls from sense and sin,
As Christ the Lord is pure
[Page 38]
5If in our father's love,
We share a filial part;
Send down thy spirit like a dove,
To rest upon our heart.
6
We would no longer lie,
Like slaves beneath the throne;
Our faith shall Abba, Father, cry,
And thou the kindred own.
Hymn XXXVI. Long Metre. The better Part.
1
BESET with snares and fill'd with dread,
In life's uncertain path we tread;
Saviour divine, diffuse thy light,
To guide our doubtful footsteps right.
2
Engage our roving treach'rous heart,
To choose the wise, the better part;
To scorn the trifles of a day,
For joys that never fade away.
3
Then let the fiercest storms arise,
Let tempests mingle earth and skies;
No fatal shipwreck shall we fear,
But all our treasure with us bear.
[Page 39]
4If then our Saviour still be nigh,
Cheerful we live and joyful die;
Secure when mortal comforts flee,
To find a thousand worlds in thee.
Hymn XXXVII. Long Metre. The Beatitudes.
1
BLEST are the humble souls that see
Their emptiness and poverty;
Treasures of grace to them are given,
And crowns of joy laid up in heaven.
2
Blest are the men of broken heart,
Who mourn for sin with inward smart;
The blood of Christ divinely flows▪
A healing balm for all their woes.
3
Blest are the meek who stand afar,
From rage and passion, noise and war;
God will secure their happy state,
And plead their cause against the great.
4
Blest are the souls that thirst for grace,
Hunger and long for righteousness;
They shall be well supplied and fed,
With living streams and living bread.
[Page 40]
5Blest are the men whose bowels move,
And melt with sympathy and love;
From Christ the Lord, they shall obtain
Like sympathy and love again.
Blest are the pure whose hearts are clean,
From the defiling power of sin;
With endless pleasure they shall see
A God of spotless purity.
7
Blest are the men of peaceful life,
Who quench the coals of growing strife;
They shall be call'd the heirs of bliss,
The sons of God, the God peace.
8
Blest are the sufferers, who partake
Of pain and shame for Jesu's sake;
Their souls shall triumph in the Lord,
Glory and joy are their reward.
Hymn XXXVIII. Common Metre. The Hope of the Resurrection.
1
BLEST be the everlasting God,
The father of our Lord;
Be his abounding mercy prais'd,
His majesty ador'd.
2
When from the dead he rais'd his Son,
And call'd him to the sky;
[Page 41]He gave our souls a lively hope,
That they should never die.
3
What though his uncontrol'd decree
Command our flesh to dust?
Yet as the Lord our Saviour rose,
So all his followers must.
4
There's an inheritance divine
Reserv'd against that day;
'Tis uncorrupted, undefil'd,
And cannot fade away.
5
Saints by the power of God are kept,
Till the salvation come;
We walk by faith as strangers here,
Till Christ shall call us home.
Hymn XXXIX. Common Metre. Benevolence rewarded.
1
BLEST is the man whose tender heart
Feels all another's pain;
To whom, the supplicating eye
Was never rais'd in vain.
2
Whose breast expands with generous warmth,
A stranger's woe to feel;
[Page 42]And bleeds in pity o'er the wound,
He wants the power to heal.
3
He spreads his kind supporting arms,
To every child of grief;
His secret bounty largely flows,
And brings unask'd relief.
4
To gentle offices of love,
His feet are never slow;
He views through mercy's melting eye,
A brother in his foe.
5
Peace, from the bosom of his God,
Peace shall to him be given;
His soul shall rest secure on earth,
And find its native heaven.
6
To him protection shall be shown;
And mercy, from above
Descend on those, who thus fulfill
The perfect law of love.
Hymn XL. Particular Metre. The Gospel Jubilee.
1
BLOW ye the trumpet, blow
The gladly solemn sound!
Let all the nations know,
To earth's remotest bound,
[Page 43]The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home.
2
Exalt the Son of God!
The sin-atoning Lamb;
Redemption, by his blood,
Through every land proclaim;
The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home.
3
Ye who have sold for nought,
The heritage above,
Shall have it back unbought,
The gift of Jesu's love.
The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home.
4
Ye slaves of sin and hell,
Your liberty receive,
And safe in Jesus dwell,
And blest in Jesus live.
The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home.
5
The Gospel trumpet hear,
The news of pardoning grace;
Ye happy souls, draw near,
Behold your Saviour's face!
The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home.
6
Jesus, our great high priest
Has full atonement made;
[Page 44]Ye weary spirits, rest,
Ye mournful souls be glad.
The year of jubilee is come,
Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home.
Hymn XLI. Long Metre. The incomprehensible GOD.
1
CAN creatures to perfection find
The eternal uncreated mind?
Or can the largest stretch of thought
Measure and search his nature out?
2
'Tis high as heaven, 'tis deep as hell,
And what can mortals know or tell?
His glory spreads beyond the sky,
And all the shining worlds on high.
3
God is a king of power unknown;
Firm are the orders of his throne;
If he resolve, who dare oppose?
Or ask him why or what he does?
4
He frowns, and darkness veils the moon;
The fainting sun grows dim at noon;
The pillars of heaven's starry roof
Tremble and start at his reproof.
5
He gave the vaulted heaven its form,
The crooked serpent and the worm;
[Page 45]He breaks the billows, with his breath,
And smites the sons of pride to death.
6
These are a portion of his ways!
But who shall dare describe his face?
Who can endure his light! or stand,
To hear the thunders of his hand?
Hymn XLII. Common Metre. God incomprehensible.
1
CELESTIAL King, our spirits lie,
Trembling beneath thy feet;
And wish and cast a longing eye,
To reach thy lofty seat.
2
In thee, what endless wonders meet!
What various glories shine!
The dazzling rays too fiercely beat,
Upon our fainting mind.
3
Angels are lost in glad surprize,
If thou unveil thy grace;
And humble awe runs thro' the skies,
When wrath arrays thy face.
4
Created powers, how weak they be!
How short our praises fall!
So much akin to nothing, we,
And thou, th' eternal all.
[Page 46]
5Lord, here we bend our humble souls,
And awfully adore;
For the weak pinions of our minds
Can stretch a thought no more.
Hymn XLIII. Long Metre. The Presence of God mortifying us to the World.
1
COME blessed Lord, descend and dwell,
By faith and love within our breast;
Then shall we know, and taste and feel
Such joys as cannot be express'd.
2
Come fill our hearts with inward strength,
Make our enlarged souls possess,
And learn the height, and breadth and length
Of thy unmeasurable grace.
[...]
Could we but pierce the veil, and see
The glories of th' eternal skies;
What little things these worlds would be!
How despicable in our eyes!
4
Great all in all, eternal king!
Could we but view thy glorious face,
Then all our powers should join to sing
Thy boundless wisdom and thy grace.
5
Now to the God, whose power in heaven
And earth, has works of wonder done,
[Page 47]Be everlasting honours given,
By all the Church, thro' Christ his son.
Hymn XLIV. Common Metre. Praise to God and the Lamb.
1
COME, let us join our cheerful songs,
With angels round the throne;
Ten thousand, thousands are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.
2
"Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry,
"To be exalted thus;"
"Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply,
"For he was slain for us."
3
Jesus is worthy to receive
Honour and power divine;
And blessings, more than we can give,
Be, Lord, forever thine.
4
Let all that dwell above the sky,
And air and earth and seas,
Conspire to lift thy glories high,
And speak thine endless praise.
5
The whole Creation join in one,
To bless the sacred name,
Of him who sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.
[Page 48]
Hymn XLV. Common Metre. The Joys of Heaven.
1
COME, Lord, and warm each languid heart,
Inspire each lifeless tongue;
And let the joys of heaven impart
Their influence to our song.
2
Sorrow and pain and every care,
And discord there shall cease;
And perfect joy and love sincere
Adorn the realms of peace.
3
The soul, from sin forever free,
Shall mourn its power no more;
But, cloth'd in spotless purity,
Redeeming love adore.
4
There, on a throne, how dazzling bright,
Th' exalted Saviour shines;
And beams ineffable delight,
On all the heavenly minds.
5
There shall the followers of the Lamb
Join in immortal songs;
And endless honours to his name
Employ their tuneful tongues.
[Page 49]
6Lord, tune our hearts to praise and love,
Our feeble no [...]es inspire;
Ti [...]l, in thy blissful courts above,
We join th' angelic choir.
Hymn XLVI. Long Metre. Weary Souls invited to Rest.
1
COME, weary souls, with sin distress'd,
Come and accept the promiss'd rest;
The Saviour's gracious call obey,
And cast your gloomy fears away.
2
Oppress'd with guilt, a painful load,
O come, and spread your woes to God;
Divine compassion, mighty love,
Will all the painful load remove.
3
Here mercy's boundless ocean flows,
To cleanse your guilt and heal your woes:
Pardon and life and endless peace,
How rich the gift, how free the grace!
4
Lord, we accept with thankful heart,
The hope thy gracious words impart;
We come with trembling; yet rejoice,
And bless the kind inviting voice.
[Page 50]
5Great Saviour, let thy powerful love
Confirm our faith, our fears remove;
May that sweet influence in our breast,
Prepare us for thy heavenly rest.
Hymn XLVII. Short Metre. Heavenly Joy on Earth.
1
COME, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
2
Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly king
May speak their joys abroad.
3
This heavenly king is ours,
Our father and our love;
He will send down his heavenly powers,
To raise our souls above.
4
There, we shall see his face,
And never, never sin;
There from the rivers of his grace,
Drink endless pleasures in.
5
Yes, and before we rise
To that immortal state,
[Page 51]The thought of such amazing bliss
Should constant joys create.
6
Then let our songs abound
And every tear be dry!
We're marching thro' Emmanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high.
Hymn XLVIII. Common Metre. Christ the King of Saints.
1
COME, ye that love the Saviour's name,
And joy to make it known;
The sovereign of your heart proclaim,
And bow before his throne.
2
Behold your king, your Saviour, crown'd
With glories all divine;
And tell the wondering nations round,
How bright these glories shine.
3
Infinite power and boundless love
In him unite their rays;
You that his heav'nly influence prove,
Can you forbear his praise?
4
When in his earthly Courts, we view,
The glories of our King;
We long to love as angels do,
And wish like them to sing.
[Page 52]
5And shall we long and wish in vain?
Lord, teach our songs to rise;
Thy love can animate the strain,
And bid it reach the skies.
6
O happy period! glorious day!
When heaven and earth shall raise,
With all their powers, the raptur'd lay,
To celebrate thy praise.
Hymn XLIX. Common Metre. The happy End of the Christian Course.
1
DEATH may dissolve my body now,
And bear my spirit home;
Why do my minutes move so slow?
Nor my salvation come?
2
With heavenly weapons I have fought
The battles of the Lord;
Finish'd my course, and kept the faith,
And wait the sure reward.
3
God has laid up in heaven for me,
A crown which cannot fade;
The righteous judge, at that great day,
Shall place it on my head.
4
Nor hath the king of grace decreed
This prize for me alone;
[Page 53]But all who hope and long to see
Th' appearance of his Son.
5
Jesus, the Lord, shall guard me safe,
From every ill design;
And to his heavenly kingdom keep,
This feeble soul of mine.
6
God is my everlasting aid,
My portion and my friend;
To him be highest glory paid,
Through ages without end.
Hymn L. Long Metre. Christ the Physician of the Soul.
1
DEEP are are the wounds which sin has made,
Where shall the sinner find a cure?
In vain alas, is Nature's aid,
The work exceeds her utmost power.
2
Sin, like a raging fever, reigns
With fatal strength in every part;
The dire contagion fills the veins,
And spreads its poison to the heart.
3
But can no sovereign balm be found?
And is no kind physician nigh?
[Page 54]To ease the pain, and heal the wound,
Ere life and hope forever fly?
4
Yes, there's a great physician near,
Look up my fainting soul and live!
See, in his heavenly smiles appear,
Such help as nature cannot give!
5
See, in the Saviour's dying blood,
Life, health and bliss abundant slow!
'Tis only that dear, sacred flood,
Can ease thy pain and heal thy woe.
6
Sin throws in vain its pointed dart,
For here a sovereign cure is found;
A cordial for the fainting heart,
A balm for every painful wound.
Hymn LI. Long Metre. The Sight of Christ in Heaven.
1
DESCEND, ye hosts of angels bright,
And bear us on your guardian wings,
Through regions of celestial light,
Above the reach of earthly things.
2
Beyond this curtain of the sky,
Up where eternal ages roll!
Where solid pleasures never die,
And fruits immortal feast the soul.
[Page 55]
3O for a beatific sight
Of our Almighty Father's throne!
There sits our saviour, crown'd with light,
Cloth'd with a body like our own.
4
Adoring faints around him stand,
And heavenly powers before him fall;
The God shines gracious thro' the man,
And sheds bright glories on them all.
5
What joys unspeakable they feel!
Whilst to their golden harps they sing;
And echo from each heav'nly hill,
The glorious triumph of their king.
6
O may the happy day draw nigh,
When we shall rise to realms above;
To join the music of the sky,
And celebrate redeeming love.
Hymn LII. Common Metre. Ardent Love to Christ.
1
DO not I love thee, O my Lord?
Behold my heart and see;
And turn each worthless idol out,
That dares to rival thee.
2
Is not thy name melodious still
To my enraptur'd ear?
[Page 56]Doth not my pulse with pleasure beat
My Saviour's voice to hear?
3
Hast thou a lamb in all thy flock
I would disdain to seed?
Hast thou a foe, before whose face
I fear thy cause to plead?
4
Would not my ardent spirit vie,
With angels round thy throne,
To execute thy sacred will,
And make thy glory known?
5
Would not my heart pour out its blood,
In honour of thy name?
And challenge the cold hand of death,
To damp th' immortal flame!
6
Thou know'st I love thee, O my Lord;
But how I long to soar,
Above the sphere of mortal joys,
And learn to love thee more!
Hymn LIII. Long Metre. Christian Privileges and Obligations.
1
DOST thou my worthless name record,
Free of thy holy city, Lord?
Am I, a sinner, call'd to sha [...]e
The precious privileges there?
[Page 57]
2Art thou, my king, my father styl'd?
And I, thy servant and thy child?
Whilst many of the human race
Are aliens from thy Zion's grace?
3
Lo wretched millions draw their breath
In lands of ignorance and death!
But I enjoy my share of time,
Within thy gospel's favour'd clime.
4
Shall I receive this grace in vain?
Shall I my great vocation stain?
Away, ye works in darkness wrought!
Away, each sensual, wanton thought!
5
My soul I charge thee to excell,
In thinking right and acting well;
Deep let thy searching powers engage,
Unbias'd in the sacred page.
6
Heighten the force of good desire,
To deeds of shining worth aspire;
More firm in fortitude, despise
The world's seducing vanities.
7
Strong and more strong, thy passions rule,
Advancing still in virtue's school;
Contending still, with noble strife,
To imitate thy Saviour's life.
[Page 58]
Hymn LIV. Common Metre. The only living and true GOD.
1
ETERNAL God, Almighty cause
Of earth and sea and worlds unknown;
All things are subject to thy laws,
All things depend on thee alone.
2
Thy glorious being singly stands,
Of all within itself possest;
Control'd by none are thy commands;
Thou from thyself alone art blest.
3
To thee alone ourselves we owe,
To thee alone our homage pay;
All other Gods we disavow,
Deny their claims, renounce their sway.
4
In thee, O Lord, our hope shall rest,
Fountain of peace and joy and love!
Thy [...]avour only makes us blest,
Without thee, all would nothing prove.
5
Worship to thee alone belongs,
Worship to thee alone we give;
Thine be our hearts and thine our songs,
And to thy glory we would live.
6
Spread thy great name thro' heathen lands,
Their idol deities dethrone;
Subdue the world to thy command,
And reign, as thou art, God alone.
[Page 59]
Hymn LV. Common Metre. The Consolations of Age.
[...]
ETERNAL God, enthron'd on high,
Whom angel hosts adore;
Who yet to suppliant dust art nigh,
Thy presence I implore.
2
O guide me down the steep of age,
And keep my passions cool;
Teach me to scan the sacred page,
And practise every rule.
3
My flying years, time urges on,
My strength must soon decay;
My friends, my youth's companions gone,
Can I expect to stay?
4
Can I exemption plead, when death
Projects his awful dart?
Can med'cines then prolong my breath,
Or cordials shield my heart?
5
But thou canst cheer my mortal hour,
On thee my hope depends;
Support me by almighty power,
While dust to dust descends.
6
Then let my soul, O gracious God,
Ascend to realms of day;
And in that sacred blest abode,
Its endless anthems pay.
[Page 60]
7Throughout the heaven's remotest bound
Thy matchless love proclaim;
And join the choir of saints that sound
Their great Redeemer's name.
Hymn LVI. Long Metre. Preserving Goodness.
1
ETERNAL God, I bless thy name,
The same thy power, thy grace the same;
The tokens of thy friendly care
Open and close and crown the year.
2
Supported by thy guardian hand,
Amidst ten thousand deaths I stand;
And see, when I survey thy ways,
Ten thousand monuments of praise.
3
Thus far thy arm has led me on,
Thus far I make thy mercy known;
And whilst I tread this defart land,
New mercies shall new songs demand,
4
My grateful voice on Jordan's shore
Shall raise one sacred pillar more;
Then bear, in thy bright courts above,
Inscriptions of immortal love.
[Page 61]
Hymn LVII. Common Metre. Joy and Gratitude.
1
ETERNAL love! how large the sum,
Of blessings from thy hand!
To banish sorrow and be blest
Is thy supreme command.
2
Joy is our duty, glory, health,
The sunshine of the soul;
The best return that we can make
To him who plans the whole.
3
Whatever, Lord, of earthly bliss
Thy sovereign will denies,
Accepted at thy throne of grace,
Let this petition rise.
4
Give me a calm, a thankful heart,
From every murmur free;
The blessings of thy grace impart,
And make me live to thee.
5
Let the blest hope that thou art mine
My life and death attend;
Thy presence thro' my journey shine
And crown my journey's end.
[Page 62]
Hymn LVIII. Long Metre. God exalted above all Praise.
1
ETERNAL power, whose high abode
Becomes the grandeur of the God,
Extending far beyond the bounds
Where stars revolve inferior rounds.
2
The lowest step beneath thy seat
Rises too high for Gabriel's feet
In vain the tall arch-angel tries
To reach its height, with wond'ring eyes.
3
Thy dazzling glory whilst he sings,
He hides his face behind his wings,
And ranks of thrones and powers around,
Fall prostrate on the heav'nly ground.
4
Lord what shall earth and ashes do!
We would adore our maker too;
From lowest dust to thee we cry,
The great, the holy and the high.
5
Earth from afar hath heard thy fame,
And men have learn'd to lisp thy name;
But the full glories of thy mind
Leave all our soaring thoughts behind.
6
God is in heaven and men below,
Be short our hymns, our words be few,
[Page 63]A sacred reverence checks our songs,
And praise is silent on our tongues.
Hymn LIX. Long Metre. Divine Goodness.
1
ETERNAL source of every joy
Well may thy praise our lips employ;
Whilst in thy temple we appear,
Thy goodness crowns the circling year.
2
Wide as the earth and planets roll,
Thy hand supports and cheers the whole;
By thee, the sun is taught to rise,
And darkness when to veil the skies.
3
The flowery spring, at thy command,
Embalms the air and paints the land;
The summer rays with vigour shine,
To raise the corn and cheer the vine.
4
Seasons and months and weeks and days
Demand successive hymns of praise;
Still be the cheerful homage paid,
With morning light and evening shade.
5
O, may our more harmonious tongues,
In worlds unknown, pursue the songs
[Page 64]And in those brighter Courts adore,
Where days and years revolve no more.
Hymn LX. Long Metre. The Influences of the Divine Spirit.
1
ETERNAL Spirit, we confess,
And sing the wonders of thy grace!
Thy power conveys the blessings down,
From God the Father and his Son.
2
Enlightened by thy heavenly ray,
Our shades and darkness turn to day;
Thy inward teachings make us know,
Our danger and our refuge too.
3
Thy gentle influence works within,
And breaks the chains of reigning sin;
Doth our imperious lust subdue,
And forms our wretched hearts anew.
4
The troubled conscience knows thy voice,
It makes the broken heart rejoice;
Thy words allay the stormy wind,
And calm the surges of the mind.
[Page 65]
Hymn LXI. Common Metre. Creating Wisdom.
1
ETERNAL wisdom! thee we praise,
Thee, all thy creatures sing;
With thy great name, rocks, hills and seas
And heaven's high arches ring.
2
Thy hand! how wide it spread the sky!
How glorious to behold!
Ting'd with a blue of heavenly dye,
And starr'd with sparkling gold.
3
There, dost thou make the globes of light,
Their endless circles run;
There, the pale planets rule the night,
And day obeys the sun.
4
The roaring winds stand ready there,
Thy orders to obey;
With spreading wings, they sweep the air,
To make thy chariot way.
5
The rolling mountains of the deep
Observe thy strong command;
Thy breath can raise the billows steep
Or sink them to the sand.
6
Thy glories blaze all nature round,
And strike our feeble sight,
[Page 66]Thro' skies and seas and solid ground,
With terror and delight.
7
Infinite strength and equal skill
Shine through the worlds abroad;
Our souls with vast amazement fill,
And speak the builder God.
Hymn LXII. Long Metre. Christ exalted a Prince and a Saviour.
1
EXALTED Prince of life, we own
The royal honours of thy throne;
'Tis fix'd by God's almighty hand,
And Seraphs bow at thy command.
2
Exalted Saviour, we confess
The sov'reign triumphs of thy grace;
Where beams of gentle radiance shine,
And temper majesty divine.
3
Wide thy resistless sceptre sway,
Till all thy enemies obey;
Wide may thy cross its virtue prove,
And conquer millions by thy love.
4
Mighty to vanquish and forgive!
Thine Israel shall repent and live;
And loud proclaim thy healing breath,
Which gives them life, who wrought thy death.
[Page 67]
Hymn LXIII. Common Metre. Walking by Faith.
1
FAITH is the brightest evidence
Of things beyond our sight;
It pierces through the veil of sense,
And dwells in heavenly light.
2
It sets time past in present view,
Brings distant prospects home;
Of things a thousand years ago,
Or thousand years to come.
3
By faith we know the world was made
By God's almighty word;
We know the heavens and earth shall fade,
And be again restor'd.
4
Abraham obey'd the Lord's command,
From his own country driven;
By faith he sought a promis'd land,
But found his rest in heaven.
5
Thus thro' life's pilgrimage we stray,
The promise in our eye;
By faith we walk the narrow way,
That leads to joy on high
[Page 68]
Hymn LXIV. Long Metre. Preparation for religious Worship.
1
FAR from my thoughts, vain world, be gone,
Let my religious hours alone;
From flesh and sense I would be free.
And hold communion, Lord, with thee.
2
My heart grows warm with holy fire,
And kindles with a pure desire;
To see thy grace, to taste thy love,
And feel thine influence from above.
3
When I can say that God is mine,
When I can see thy glories shine;
I tread the world beneath my feet,
And all that men call rich and great.
4
Send comfort down from thy right hand,
To cheer me in this barren land;
And in thy temple, let me know,
The joys that from thy presence flow.
Hymn LXV. Common Metre. The Success of the Gospel.
FATHER, is not thy promise sure
To thy exalted Son?
[Page 69]That through the nations of the earth
Thy word of life shall run!
2
"Ask and receive the heathen lands,
For thine inheritance,
And to the world's remotest ends
Thy empire shall advance."
3
Hast thou not said, the blinded Jews,
Shall their Redeemer own?
Whilst Gentiles to his standard crowd,
And bow before his throne?
4
Are not all kingdoms, tribes and tongues,
Beneath the arch of heaven,
To the dominion of thy son,
Without exception given?
5
From east to west, from north to south
Then be his name ador'd,
Let earth with all its millions shout
Hosanna to the Lord.
Hymn LXVI. Common Metre. The Lord's Prayer.
1
FATHER of all! eternal mind!
Thou great and good alone!
Thy children form'd and bless'd by thee,
Approach thy sacred throne.
[Page 70]
2Thy name in hallow'd strains be sung!
We join the solemn praise,
To thy great name, with heart and tongue,
Our cheerful homage raise.
3
Thy righteous, mild and equal reign,
Let every being own;
And in our minds, thy work divine,
Erect thy gracious throne.
4
As angels, round thy seat above,
Thy blest commands fulfil;
So may thy creatures, here below,
Perform thy heavenly will.
5
On thee, we day by day depend,
Our daily wants supply;
And feed with truth and virtue pure,
Our souls which never die.
6
Extend thy grace to every fault,
And let thy love forgive;
Teach us divine forgiveness too,
Nor let resentment live.
7
Where tempting snares beset the way,
Permit us not to tread;
Avert the threat'ning evil near,
From our unguarded head.
[Page 71]
8Thy sacred name we thus adore,
And bow before thy throne;
For kingdom, power and glory, Lord,
Belong to thee alone.
Hymn LXVII. Common Metre. The Universal Prayer.
1
FATHER of all! whose cares extend
To earth's remotest shore;
Thro' every age let praise ascend,
And every clime adore.
2
Yet not to earth's contracted span,
Thy goodness let me bound;
Or think thee, Lord alone of man,
When thousand worlds are round.
3
To thee, whose presence fills all space,
The earth, the air, the skies;
One chorus let all beings raise,
All Nature's incense rise!
4
Father of all! whose tender care
Does every want supply;
To thee I pour the fervent prayer,
And raise the filial eye.
5
What blessings thy free bounty gives
Let me not cast away;
[Page 72]Who gratefully enjoys and lives
Does the best homage pay.
6
Save me alike from foolish pride,
Or impious discontent;
At aught thy wisdom has deny'd,
Or aught thy goodness lent.
7
Teach me to feel another's woe
To hide the faults I see;
That mercy I to others show,
That mercy show to me.
8
Let not this weak unknowing hand,
Presume thy bolts to throw,
And deal destruction round the land,
On each I judge thy foe.
9
If I am right, thy grace impart,
Still in the right to stay;
If I am wrong, O teach my heart
To find that better way.
10
This day, be bread and peace my lot;
But, all beneath the sun,
Thou know it if best bestow'd or not;
Then let thy will be done.
[Page 73]
Hymn LXVIII. Common Metre. Prudence.
1
FATHER of light! conduct my feet,
Thro' life's dark, dangerous road;
Let each advancing step still bring
Me nearer to my God.
2
Let heav'n ey'd prudence be my guide,
And when I go astray;
Recall my feet from folly's path,
To wisdom's better way.
3
Teach me in every various scene
To keep my end in sight;
And whilst I tread life's mazy track,
Let wisdom guide me right.
4
That heavenly wisdom from above
Abundantly impart;
And let it guard, and guide, and warm,
And penetrate my heart.
5
Till it shall lead me to thyself,
Fountain of bliss and love;
And all my darkness be dispers'd,
In endless light above.
[Page 74]
Hymn LXIX. Long Metre. Praise for Rain and fruitful Seasons.
1
FATHER of light! we sing thy name,
Who made the Sun to rule the day;
Wide as he spreads his golden flame,
His beams thy power and love display.
2
Fountain of good! from thee, proceed
The copious showers of genial rain;
Which, o'er the hill and thro' the mead,
Revive the grass and swell the grain.
3
Through the wide world thy bounties spread;
Yet thousands of our guilty race,
Tho' by thy daily goodness fed,
Transgress thy law, abuse thy grace.
4
Not so, shall our forgetful hearts
O'erlook the tokens of thy care;
But, what thy liberal hand imparts,
Receive with praise and ask in prayer.
5
So shall the sun more grateful shine,
And showers in welcome drops shall fall;
When all our hearts and lives are thine,
And thou, our God, enjoy'd in all.
6
Jesus! our brighter Sun, arise,
In plenteous showers, thy spirit send,
[Page 75]Earth then shall grow to Paradise;
And in celestial Eden end.
Hymn LXX. Long Metre. At the Ordination of a Minister.
1
FATHER of mercies! in thy house,
We pay our homage and our vows;
Whilst with a grateful heart we share,
Those pledges of our Saviour's care.
2
The Saviour, when to Heaven he rose,
In splendid triumph o'er his foes;
Scatter'd his gifts on men below,
And wide his royal bounties flow.
3
Hence sprang th' Apostle's honour'd name,
Sacred beyond heroic fame;
Hence di [...]tates the prophetic sage,
And hence the evangelic page.
4
In lower forms to bless our eyes,
Pastors from hence and Teachers rise;
Who, though with feebler rays they shine,
Still mark a long extended line.
5
From Christ their varied gifts derive,
And fed by him their graces live;
Whilst guarded by his potent hand,
Amidst the rage of hell they stand.
[Page 76]
6So shall the bright succession run,
Through all the courses of the sun;
Whilst unborn churches, by their care,
Shall rise and flourish large and fair.
7
Jesus, our Lord, their hearts shall know,
The spring whence all these blessings flow;
Pastors and people shout his praise,
Through the long round of endless days.
Hymn LXXI. Common Metre. The excellency and sufficiency of the Scriptures.
1
FATHER of mercies! in thy word
What endless glory shines!
Forever be thy name ador'd,
For these celestial lines.
2
Here, may the wretched sons of want
Exhaustless riches find;
Treasures beyond what earth can grant,
And lasting as the mind.
3
Here the fair tree of knowledge grows,
And yields a free repast;
Sublimer fruits than nature knows
Invite the longing taste.
4
Here, the Redeemer's welcome voice
Spreads heavenly peace around;
[Page 77]And life and everlasting joys
Attend the blissful sound.
5
O may these heavenly pages be
Our study and delight;
And still new beauties may we see,
And still increasing light.
6
Divine instructor, gracious Lord,
Be thou forever near;
Teach us to love thy sacred word,
And view our Saviour there.
Hymn LXXII. Common Metre. Love to our Neighbour.
1
FATHER of mercies! send thy grace,
All powerful from above,
To form, in our obedient souls,
The image of thy love.
2
O may our sympathising breasts
That generous pleasure know;
Kindly to share another's joy
And weep for others' woe.
3
When e'er the helpless sons of want
In low distress are laid;
Soft be our hearts, their pains to feel,
And swift our hands to aid.
[Page 78]
4So Jesus look'd on wretched man,
When seated in the skies;
Amidst the glories of that world,
He felt compassion rise.
5
On wings of love the Saviour flew,
To raise us from the ground;
And shed his rich and precious blood,
A balm for every wound.
Hymn LXXIII. Long Metre. Humility.
1
FOLLY builds high upon the sand;
But lowly let my basis be;
Firm as a rock, my hope shall stand,
Deep founded in humility.
2
Content, when threat'ning ills obtrude,
Sweet, meek ey'd patience arm my soul;
And let a prudent fortitude
Teach me my passions to control.
3
My God, I long to know thee still,
To love and fear and trust thee more;
To live submissive to thy will,
And whilst I feel thy grace, adore.
[Page 79]
4My faith and love, obedient be,
O Saviour, to thy just commands!
My arden [...] soul still follows thee,
And trusts her interest in thy hands.
5
Let love and mercy all divine,
Justice descending from the skies,
Kindness and truth my heart incline
Still to forgive my enemies▪
6
Thus may I act the christian part,
The social, humane and divine;
Whilst a wise zeal inspires my heart,
Then shall I know that heaven is mine.
Hymn LXXIV. Common Metre Abraham's Blessing extended to the Gentiles.
1
GENTILES by nature we belong
To the wild olive wood;
Grace took us from the barren tree,
And grafts us on the good.
2
With the same blessings, grace endows
The Gentile as the Jew!
If pure and holy be the root,
Such are the branches too.
3
Then let the children of the saints,
Be sanctify'd to God;
[Page 80]In that great covenant, confirm'd
By water and by blood.
4
Thus to the parents, and their seed,
Shall thy salvation come;
And numerous households meet at last
In one eternal home.
Hymn LXXV. Long Metre. The Excellency of the Gospel.
1
GOD, in the gospel of his Son,
Makes his eternal counsels known;
And sinners of a humble frame
May taste his grace and learn his name.
2
Wisdom its dictates here imparts,
To form our minds, to cheer our hearts;
Its influence makes the sinner live
It bids the drooping saint revive.
3
Our raging passion it controls,
And comfort yields to contrite souls;
It guides us all our journey through,
And brings a better world to view.
4
May this blest volume ever lie,
Close to my heart and near my eye;
[Page 81]To life's last hour, my soul employ,
And fit me for the heav'nly joy.
Hymn LXXVI. Common Metre. Sincerity and Hypocrisy.
1
GOD is a spirit, just and wise,
He sees our inmost mind;
In vain, to heav'n we raise our eyes,
And leave our hearts behind.
2
Nothing but truth before his throne
With honor can appear;
The painted hypocrites are known▪
Through the disguise they wear.
3
Their lifted hands salute the skies,
Their bended knees the ground;
But God abhors the sacrifice,
Where not the heart is found.
4
Lord, search my tho'ts, and try my ways,
And make my soul sincere;
Then shall I stand before thy face
And find acceptance there.
[Page 82]
Hymn LXXVII. Long Metre. Redeeming Time.
1
GOD of eternity, from thee
Did infant time its being draw,
Minutes and days and months and years
Revolve by thy unvaried law.
2
Silent and slow, they glide away,
Steady and strong the current flows;
Till lost in that unmeasur'd sea,
From which its being first arose.
3
The thoughtless sons of Adam's race
Upon the rapid stream are borne;
To that unseen, eternal home,
From which no travellers return.
4
Yet whilst the shore, on either side
Presents a gaudy, flattering show;
We gaze in fond amazement lost,
Nor think to what a world we go.
5
Great source of wisdom, teach our hearts,
To know the price of every hour;
That time may bear us on to joys,
Beyond its measure and its power.
[Page 83]
Hymn LXXVIII. Long Metre. [...]itude for all Things.
1
GOD of my life, my thanks to thee,
Shall like my debts, continual be;
In constant stream, thy bounty flows,
Nor end, nor intermission knows.
2
From thee, my comforts all arise,
My num'rous wants thy hand supplies;
Nor can I need or wish for more,
Than thou canst furnish from thy store.
3
If what I ask, my God denies,
It is because he's good and wise;
And what for evils I mistake,
He can my greatest blessings make.
4
Deep, Lord, upon my thankful breast,
Let all thy goodness be impress'd;
Dispose me, each revolving day,
For daily gifts, my praise to pay.
5
In praise I'll spend my latest breath,
Then yield it to the call of death;
In hope that thou my flesh wilt raise
To celebrate thy deathless praise.
[Page 84]
Hymn LXXIX. Long Metre. Unceasing Praise.
1
GOD of my life, through all its days,
My grateful tongue shall sound thy praise;
The song shall wake with dawning light,
And warble to the silent night.
2
When anxious cares would break my rest,
And grief would tear my throbbing breast;
Thy tuneful praises, rais'd on high,
Shall check the murmur and the sigh.
3
When death o'er nature shall prevail,
And all the powers of language fail;
Joy through my feeble eyes shall break,
And mean those thanks I cannot speak.
4
But when the [...] conflict's o'er,
My spirit chain'd to flesh no more;
With what glad accents shall I rise
To join the music of the skies!
5
Soon shall I learn th' exalted strains,
Which echo through the heavenly plains,
And emulate with joy unknown,
The glowing seraphs round thy throne.
6
This cheerful tribute will I give,
Long as a deathless soul can live▪
[Page 85]A work so vast, a theme so high
Demands a whole eternity.
Hymn LXXX. Common Metre. The Mysteries of Providence.
1
GOD moves in a mysterious way,
His counsels to perform;
He marks his footsteps on the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
2
Deep, in unfathomable mines,
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
3
Let fearful saints fresh courage take;
The clouds they so much dread,
Are big with mercy, and shall break,
In blessings on their head.
4
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense;
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning Providence,
He hides a smiling face.
5
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
[Page 86]The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
6
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Hymn LXXXI. Common Metre. Divine Providence, and the Folly of self dependence.
1
GOD reigns; events in order flow,
Man's industry to guide;
But in a different channel go,
To humble human pride.
2
The swift, not always in the race,
Shall win the crowning prize;
Not always wealth and honor grace
The labors of the wise.
3
Fond mortals do themselves beguile,
When on themselves they rest;
Blind is their wisdom, vain their toil,
By thee, O Lord, unblest.
4
'Tis ours, the furrows to prepare,
And sow the precious grain;
[Page 87]'Tis thine, to give the sun and air
And to command the rain.
5
Evil and good before thee stand,
Their mission to perform;
The Sun shines bright at thy command,
Thy hand directs the storm.
6
In all thy ways, we humbly own
Thy providential power;
Intrusting to thy care alone,
The lot of every hour.
Hymn LXXXII. Long Metre. The Fear of God.
1
GREAT author of all nature's frame;
Holy and reverend is thy name;
Thou, Lord of life and Lord of death,
Worlds rise and vanish at thy breath.
2
Nations in thine all seeing eye
Are less than nothing, vanity;
Against thee, who shall lift his hand?
Before thy terrors, who can stand?
3
But blest are they, O gracious Lord,
Who fear thy name and hear thy word!
[Page 88]With such thy dweliing is, on those,
Thy peace its joy divine bestows.
4
Thy wisdom guides, thy power defends,
Their life, till life its journey ends;
Death shall convey them to thy seat;
Where all thy saints in glory meet.
5
O that my soul, with awful sense,
Of thy transcendent excellence,
May close the day, the day begin,
Watchful against each darling sin.
6
Never, O never from my heart,
May this great principle depart;
But act with unabating power,
Within me to my latest hour.
Hymn LXXXIII. Long Metre. The divine Goodness imitated.
1
GREAT author of th' immortal mind,
For noblest thoughts and views design'd;
Make me desirous to express
The image of thy holiness.
2
Whilst I thy boundless love admire,
Grant me to catch the sacred fire;
[Page 89]Thus shall my heavenly birth be known,
And as thy child, thou wilt me own.
3
Father, I see thy sun arise,
To cheer thy friends and enemies;
And when from heaven thy rain descends,
Thy bounty both alike befriends.
4
Enlarge my soul with love like thine,
My moral powers by grace refine;
So shall I feel another's woe,
And freely feed a hungry foe.
5
I hope for pardon through thy Son,
For all the crimes which I have done;
Then, may the grace that pardons me,
Constrain me to forgive like thee.
Hymn LXXXIV. Hallelujah Metre. The House of Prayer.
1
GREAT Father of mankind,
We bless that wond'rous grace,
Which could for Gentiles find,
Within thy courts a place.
How kind the care,
Our God displays,
For us to raise
A house of prayer!
[Page 90]
2Once we were strangers here,
But now approach the throne;
For Jesus brings us near,
And makes our cause his own.
Strangers no more,
To thee we come;
And find our home,
And rest secure.
3
To thee our souls we join,
And love thy sacred name;
No more our own but thine,
We triumph in thy claim.
Our father King,
Thy cov'nant grace
Our souls embrace,
Thy glories sing.
4
Here in thy house we feast,
On dainties all divine;
And whilst such food we taste,
With joy our faces shine.
Incense shall rise,
From flames of love;
And God approve
The sacrifice.
5
May all the nations throng,
To worship in thy house;
Wilt thou attend the song
And hear their ardent vows!
[Page 91]Indulgent still,
Till earth conspire
To join the choir,
On Zion's hill.
Hymn LXXXV. Common Metre. Creation and Providence.
1
GREAT first of beings, mighty Lord,
Of all this wondrous frame;
Produc'd by thy creating word,
The world from nothing came.
2
Thy voice sent forth the high command,
'Twas instantly obey'd;
And through thy goodness all things stand,
Which by thy power were made.
3
Thy glories shine throughout the whole,
Each part reflects thy light;
By thee, in course, the planets roll,
And day succeeds the night.
4
By thee, the sun dispenses heat,
And beams of cheering day;
The distant stars in order set,
By night, thy power display.
[Page 92]
5By thee, the earth its produce yields,
By thee, the waters flow;
And various plants adorn the fields,
And trees aspiring grow.
6
Inspir'd with praise, our minds pursue
This wise and noble end;
And all we think and all we do
Shall to thy honour tend.
Hymn LXXXVI. Long Metre. Man changeable and God unchangeable.
1
GREAT former of this various frame,
Our souls adore thine awful name;
We bow with rev'rence, when we praise,
The ancient of eternal days.
2
Beyond the reach of Angels' sight,
Thou dwell'st in uncreated light;
It shines with undiminish'd ray,
Whilst suns and stars shall pass away.
3
Our days a transient period run,
And change with every circling Sun;
Ev'n in the firmest state we boast,
Thy hand can crush us to the dust.
4
But let all nature fall around,
Let death consign us to the ground;
[Page 93]Let the last general flame arise,
Consume the earth, dissolve the skies;
5
Calm as the summer evening, we
Shall all the wreck of nature see;
Whilst grace secures us an abode,
Unshaken as the throne of God.
Hymn LXXXVII. Long Metre. The Sun of Righteousness.
1
GREAT God, amidst the darksome night
Thy glories dart upon my sight,
[...] [...]rapt in wonder I behold,
The silver moon and stars of gold.
2
But when I see the SUN arise
And pour his glory round the skies;
In more stupendous form I view
Thy greatness and thy glory too.
3
Thou Sun of Righteousness, whose light
O'erwhelms the highest angel's sight,
How shall I glance my eye at thee
In all thy vast immensity!
4
Yet may I be allow'd to trace,
The distant shadow of thy face;
[Page 94]As in the pale, reflecting moon,
We see the image of the Sun.
5
In every work thy hands have made,
Thy power and wisdom are display'd;
But O what glories, all divine,
In my exalted Saviour shine!
6
May I enjoy, like those above,
The gentle influence of his love;
Enable me my course to run,
With the same vigour as the Sun.
Hymn LXXXVIII. Common Metre. The Spreading of the Gospel.
1
GREAT God, the nations of the earth,
Are by creation thine;
And in thy works by all beheld,
Thy power and glory shine.
2
But thy compassion Lord, has sent
Thy gospel to mankind;
Unveiling what rich stores of grace,
Are treasur'd in thy mind.
3
Lord, when shall these glad tidings spread,
The spacious earth around,
[Page 95]Till every tribe and every soul
Shall hear the joyful sound?
4
O when shall Afric's sable sons
Enjoy the heavenly word;
And long in slavery held, become
The freemen of the Lord?
5
When shall the savage wandering tribes,
A dark bewilder'd race,
Sit down at our Immanuel's feet,
And learn his saving grace?
6
Haste, sovereign mercy, and transform
Their cruelty to love;
Soften the tyger to a lamb,
The vulture to a dove.
7
Smile, Lord, on each sincere attempt.
To spread the Gospel's rays;
And build in every heathen land,
A temple to thy praise.
Hymn LXXXIX. Common Metre. Trust in God.
1
GREAT source of boundless power and grace!
Attend my mournful cry,
[Page 96]In the dark hour of deep distress,
To thee alone I fly.
2
Thou art my strength, my life, my stay,
Assist my feeble trust;
Drive these distressing fears away,
And raise me from the dust.
3
Fain would I call thy grace to mind,
And trust thy glorious name,
Jehovah powerful, wise and kind,
Forever is the same.
4
Thy presence, Lord, can cheer my he [...]
When earthly comforts die;
Thy voice can bid my pains depart,
And raise my pleasures high.
5
Here let me rest, on thee depend,
My God, my hope, my all;
Be thou my everlasting friend,
And I shall never fall.
Hymn XC. Long Metre. Praise for Common Mercies.
1
GREAT source of life, our souls confess
The various riches of thy grace;
Crown'd with thy mercies we rejoice,
And in thy praise exalt our voice.
[Page]
2By thee, heaven's shining arch was spread,
By thee, were earth's foundations laid;
All the delights of our abode,
Proclaim the wise, the powerful God.
3
Thy tender hand restores our breath,
When trembling on the verge of death;
Gently it wipes away our tears,
And lengthens life to future years.
4
These lives are sacred to the Lord,
By thee upheld, by thee restor'd;
And whilst our hours renew their race,
Still we would walk before thy face.
5
So when our souls by thee are led,
Thro' unknown regions of the dead;
With joy triumphant they shall move,
To seats of nobler life above.
Hymn XCI. Long Metre. Religion vain without Love.
1
HAD I the tongues of Greeks and Jews,
And nob [...]er speech than angels use;
If love be absent, I am found,
Like tinkling brass an empty sound.
[Page 98]
2Were I inspir'd to preach and tell,
All that is done in heaven and hell;
Or could my faith the world remove
Still I am nothing, without love.
3
Should I distribute all my store,
To feed the hungry, clothe the poor▪
Or give my body to the flame,
To gain a martyr's glorious name.
4
If love to God, and love to men
Be absent, all my hopes are vain;
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery ze [...]l
The work of love can e'er fulfil.
Hymn XCII. Common Metre. The God of Nature.
1
HAIL, King supreme! all wise and good·
To thee our thoughts we raise;
Whilst nature's lovely charms, display'd,
Inspire our souls with praise.
2
At morning, noon and evening mild,
Thy works engage our view;
And as we gaze, our hearts exult.
With transports ever new.
3
Thy glory beams in every star,
Which gilds the gloom of night;
[Page 99]And decks the rising face of morn,
With rays of cheering light.
4
Th' aspiring hill, the verdant lawn,
With thousand beauties shine;
The vocal grove and cooling shade
Proclaim thy power divine.
5
From tree to tree, a constant hymn
Employs the feather'd throng;
To thee, their cheerful [...], they swell,
And chant their grateful song.
6.
Great nature's God! still may these scenes
Our serious hours engage;
Still may our wondering eyes peruse
Thy works instructive page.
Hymn XCIII. Particular Metre. Praise to our Redeemer.
1
HAIL, thou once despised Jesus!
Thou didst free salvation bring;
By thy death thou didst release us
From the tyrant's deadly sting.
2
Hail thou agonising Saviour,
Bearer of our sin and shame!
By thy merits we find favour,
Life is given thro' thy name.
[...][Page 102]Thus we're prepar'd for longer days,
Or sit for early death.
Hymn XCV. Long Metre. The Glory and Defence of the Church.
1
HAPPY the Church! thou sacred place,
The seat of thy Creator's grace!
Thy holy courts are his abode,
Thou earthly palace of our God.
2
Thy walls are strength, and at thy gates,
A guard of heavenly angels waits;
Nor shall thy deep foundations move,
Built on the counsels of his love.
3
Thy foes in vain designs engage,
Against thy walls in vain they rage;
Like rising waves, with anger roar,
That dash and die upon the shore.
4
Then let our souls in Zion dwell,
Nor fear the power of earth or hell;
Since God defends this happy ground,
Like brazen bulwarks built around.
5
God is our Sun, God is our shield,
Light and protection he will yield;
[Page 103]And we beneath the genial rays,
Will sing his love, and speak his praise.
Hymn XCVI. Long Metre. Christian Moderation.
1
HAPPY the man whose cautious steps
Still keep the golden mean;
Whose life by wisdom's rules, well form'd,
Declares a conscience clean.
2
Not of himself he highly thinks,
Nor acts the boaster's part;
His modest tongue the language speaks
Of his more humble heart.
3
Not in base scandal's arts he deals,
For truth is in his breast;
With grief, he sees his neighbour's faults,
And thinks and hopes the best.
4
What blessings bounteous heaven bestows,
He takes with thankful heart;
With temperance he receives his food,
And gives the poor a part.
5
To sect and party, his large soul
Disdains to be confin'd;
[Page 104]The good he loves, of every name,
And prays for all mankind.
6
Pure is his zeal, the offspring fair
Of truth and peaceful love;
The bigot's rage can never dwell,
Where rests the heavenly dove.
Hymn XCVII. Common Metre. Love to God.
1
HAPPY the mind where graces reign,
And love inspires the breast!
Love is the brightest of the train,
And strengthens all the rest.
2
Knowledge, alas! 'tis all in vain,
And all in vain our fear;
Our stubborn sins will fight and reign,
If love be absent there.
3
'Tis love that makes our cheerful feet
In swift obedience move;
Affliction's bitter cup is sweet,
When mix'd with heavenly love.
4
Soon as we drop this mortal clay,
And leave this dark abode!
On wings of love we'll soar away,
To see our Father God.
[Page 105]
5This is the grace that lives and sings,
When faith and hope shall cease;
'Tis this shall strike our joyful strings,
In realms of endless peace.
Hymn XCVIII. Common Metre. The Blessedness of departed Saints.
1
HARK! from on high a solemn voice,
Let all attentive hear!
'Twill make each pious heart rejoice,
And vanquish every fear.
2
"Thrice blessed are the pious dead,
Who in the Lord shall die;
Their weary flesh as on a bed
Safe in the grave shall lie.
3
"Their holy souls at length releas'd
To heaven shall take their flight;
There to enjoy eternal rest,
And infinite delight.
4
"They drop each load as they ascend,
And quit this world of woe;
Their labours with their lives shall end,
Their rest, no period know.
5
"Their conflicts with their busy foes
For evermore shall cease;
[Page 106]None shall their happiness oppose,
Nor interrupt their peace.
6
"But bright rewards shall recompense
Their faithful service here;
And perfect love shall banish thence,
Each gloomy doubt and fear."
Hymn XCIX. Common Metre. A Funeral Thought.
1
HARK! from the tombs, a mournful sound,
My ears, attend the cry:
"Ye living men, come view the ground,
Where you must shortly lie."
2
"Princes, this clay must be your bed,
In spite of all your towers;
The tall, the wise, the reverend head
Must lie as low as ours."
3
Great God! is this our certain doom?
And are we still secure?
Still walking downward to the tomb,
And yet prepare no more?
4
Grant us the power of quickning grace
To fit our souls to fly;
[Page 107]Then when we drop this dying flesh,
We'll rise above the sky."
Hymn C. Short Metre. The Voice of Wisdom.
1
HARK! it is Wisdom's voice,
That spreads itself around;
Come hither, all ye sons of earth,
And listen to the sound.
2
What, though she speaks rebukes,
That pierce the soul with smart?
Yet love through all her chast'nings runs
By pain to mend the heart.
3
"Ye who have wander'd long,
In sin's destructive ways;
Return, return, at my reproof,
And seize the offer'd grace.
4
"I know your souls are weak,
And all your efforts vain;
To overcome your mighty foes,
And break their iron chain.
5
"But, I will freely send
My spirit, from above,
To arm you with superior strength,
And melt your hearts to love.
[Page 108]
6"Come, whilst my offers last,
Ye sinners, and be wise;
He lives who hears this friendly call,
But he that slights it dies."
Hymn CI. Common Metre. The Saviour's Commission.
1
HARK, the glad sound! The Saviour comes!
The Saviour promis'd long,
Let every heart prepare him room,
And every voice a song.
2
On him, the spirit, largely pour'd,
Exerts his sacred fire;
Wisdom, and power, and zeal and Love
His holy breast inspire.
3
He comes, from thickest films of vice,
To clear the mental sight;
And on the eye balls of the blind,
To pour celestial light.
4
He comes, the broken heart to heal,
The bleeding soul to cure;
And with the treasures of his grace,
T'enrich the humble poor.
[Page 109]
5He comes, the prisoners to release,
In satan's bondage held;
The gates of brass before him burst,
The iron fetters yield.
6
His silver trumpet loud proclaims
The Lord's accepted year;
Our debts are all remitted now,
Our heritage is clear.
7
Our glad Hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
And Heaven's eternal arches ring,
With thy beloved name.
Hymn CII. Common Metre. The Christian Warrior animated.
1
HARK! 'tis our heavenly leader's voice,
From the bright realms above!
Amidst the war's tumultuous rage,
A voice of power and love.
2
"Maintain the fight, my faithful band,
Nor fear the mortal blow;
He that in such a warfare dies,
Shall speedy victory know▪
[Page 108]
[...]
[Page 109]
[...]
[Page 110]
3"I have my days of combat known,
And in the dust was laid;
But now I sit, upon my throne
And glory crowns my head.
4
"This throne, this glory shall be yours,
My hands the crown shall give;
And you the blest reward shall share,
Whilst God himself shall live."
5
Lord 'tis enough, our souls are fir'd,
With courage and with love;
Vain are th' assaults of earth and hell,
Our hopes are fix'd above.
6
We'll trace the footsteps thou hast trod,
To triumph and renown;
Nor shun thy combat and thy cross,
May we but wear thy crown.
Hymn CIII. Common Metre. Walking in Darkness and Trusting in God.
1
HEAR, gracious God, my humble moan,
To thee I breathe my sighs;
When will the tedious night be gone,
And when the dawn arise?
2
My God! O could I make the claim,
My father and my friend!
[Page 111]And call thee mine, by every name,
On which thy saints depend!
3
By every name of power and love,
I would thy grace intreat;
Nor should my humble hope remove,
Nor leave thy sacred seat.
4
Yet though my soul in darkness mourns,
Thy word is all my stay;
Here will I rest till light returns,
Thy presence makes my day.
5
Speak, Lord, and bid celestial peace
Relieve my aching heart;
Thy love can make my sorrow cease,
And all the gloom depart.
6
Then shall my drooping spirit rise,
And bless thy healing rays;
And change these deep complaining sighs,
To songs of sacred praise.
Hymn CIV. Common Metre. The Angels' Song at the Birth of Christ.
1
HIGH let us swell our tuneful notes,
And join th' angelic song,
For such a theme does less to them,
Than to the saints belong.
[Page 112]
2Good will is shown to sinful men,
And peace on earth is given;
For lo! the promis'd Saviour comes,
With messages from heaven.
3
Mercy and truth, in sweet accord,
His rising beams adorn;
Justice and peace in concert join,
Now such a child is born.
4
Glory to God! in highest strains,
In highest worlds be paid;
His glory by our lips proclaim'd,
And by our lives display'd.
5
When shall we reach those happy realms,
Where Christ exalted reigns!
And learn of the celestial choir,
Their own immortal strains.
Hymn CV. Common Metre. The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.
1
HOSANNA! to the prince of life,
Who cloth'd himself in clay;
Enter'd the gloomy shades of death,
And rose to endless day,
[Page 113]
2Death is no more the King of dread,
Since our Immanuel rose;
He took the monster's sting away,
And crush'd our hellish foes.
3
See how the conqueror mounts aloft,
And to his father flies!
With fears of honour in his flesh,
And triumph in his eyes.
4
There our exalted Saviour reigns,
A priest upon his throne;
And to supply his place on earth,
He sent his spirit down.
5
Raise your devotion, mortal tongues,
To reach that blest abode;
Let heaven and earth with praise resound,
To the immortal God.
Hymn CVI. Common Metre. Preservation at Sea and in foreign Countries.
1
HOW are thy servants blest, O Lord,
How sure is their defence!
Eternal wisdom is our guide,
Our help omnipotence.
[Page 114]
2In foreign realms and lands remote,
Supported by thy care;
Thro' burning climes we pass unhurt,
And breathe infected air.
3
Thy mercy sweetens every soil,
Makes every region please;
The hoary frozen hills it warms,
And smooths the boisterous seas.
4
Think, O my soul, devoutly think;
How with affrighted eyes,
Thou saw'st the wide extended deep,
In all its horrors rise.
5
Confusion dwelt in every face,
And fear in every heart;
When waves on waves, and gulphs in gulphs,
O'ercame the pilot's art.
6
Yet then, from all my griefs, O Lord,
Thy mercy set me free;
Whilst in the confidence of prayer,
My hope repos'd on thee.
7
The storm was laid, the winds retir'd,
Obedient to thy will;
The sea that roar'd at thy command,
At thy command was still.
8
In midst of dangers and of death.
Thy goodness I'll adore;
[Page 115]I'll praise thee for thy mercies past,
And humbly hope for more.
Hymn CVII. Short Metre. Blessings of the Gospel▪
1
HOW beauteous are their feet,
Who stand on Zion's hill;
Who bring salvation on their tongues,
And words of peace reveal!
2
How charming is their voice!
How glad the tidings are!
Zion behold thy Saviour king,
He reigns and triumphs here!
3
How happy are our ears,
That hear this joyful sound,
Which kings and prophets waited for,
And sought, but never found;
4
How blessed are our eyes,
That see this heavenly light!
Prophets and kings desir'd it long,
But died without the sight!
5
The watchmen join their voice,
And tuneful notes employ;
Jerusalem breaks forth in songs,
And desarts learn the joy.
[Page 116]
6The Lord makes bare his arm,
Through all the earth abroad;
Let every nation now behold
Their Saviour and their God.
Hymn CVIII. Short Metre. Fatherly Discipline received with Meekness.
1
HOW gracious and how wise,
Is our chastising God!
How rich the blossoms and the fruit,
Of his correcting rod!
2
He takes it in his hand,
With pity in his heart;
That every stroke his children feel
May grace and peace impart.
3
Instructed thus, we bow,
And own thy sovereign sway;
We turn our erring footsteps back,
To thy forsaken way.
4
Thy promis'd love we seek,
And strengthen all the bands,
Which closer still engage our hearts,
To honour thy commands.
[Page 117]
5Our Father, we consent,
To discipline divine;
And bless the pains, which make our souls
Still more completely thine.
Hymn CIX. Common Metre. The Song of Moses and the Lamb.
1
HOW great thy works! Almighty God,
Who shall not fear thy name!
How just and true are all thy ways,
Thou Son of God, the Lamb!
2
More hast thou done, than Moses did,
Our prophet, priest and king;
From sin thou hast redeem'd our souls,
And from death's poisonous sting.
3
In the red sea, by Moses' hand,
Th' Egyptian host was drown'd;
But, in thy blood, our souls are cleans'd,
And guilt no more is found.
4
When thro' the desart Israel went,
With manna they were fed;
But thou hast given thy flesh to eat,
And call'd it living bread.
5
Moses beheld the promis'd land,
Yet never reach'd the place;
[Page 118]But thou shall bring thy followers home,
To see thy father's face.
6
Thy lofty praise, O king of saints,
Shall every nation sing;
To thee shall Jew and Gentile race,
Their humble offerings bring.
7
No parting wall shall intervene;
But, with united soul,
Their voice shall join in songs of praise,
Whilst endless ages roll.
Hymn CX. Common Metre. The Safety of the Church.
1
HOW honorable is the place
Where we adoring stand!
Zion, the glory of the earth,
And beauty of the land!
2
Bulwarks of mighty grace defend
The city where we dwell;
The walls, of strong salvation made,
Defy th' assaults of hell.
3
Lift up the everlasting gates,
The doors wide open sling;
Enter, ye nations who obey,
The statutes of our king.
[Page 119]
4Here shall you taste unmingled joys,
And live in perfect peace;
You, who have known Jehovah's name,
And tasted of his grace.
5
Trust in the Lord, forever trust,
And banish all your fears;
Strength in the Lord Jehovah dwells,
Eternal as his years.
Hymn CXI. Common Metre. The Blessings of Abraham.
1
HOW large the promise, how divine
To Abrah'm and his seed!
"I'll be a God to thee, and thine,
Supplying all their need."
2
The words of thy extensive love
From age to age endure;
The angel of the cov'nant proves
And seals the blessing sure.
3
Jesus the ancient faith confirms,
To our great fathers given;
He takes young children in his arms,
And calls them heirs of heaven.
4
Our God! how faithful are his ways!
His love endures the same;
[Page 120]Nor from the promise of his grace
Blots out the children's name.
Hymn CXII. Common Metre. The Resurrection,
1
HOW long shall death the tyrant reign,
And triumph o'er the just!
Whilst the rich blood of martyrs slain
Lies mingled with the dust!
2
Let faith arise and climb the hills,
The Saviour to descry;
To view his distant chario [...] wheels,
And tell how fast they fly.
3
Lo, faith beholds the scatter'd shades!
The dawn of heaven appears!
And the bright morning gently spreads
Its blushes round the spheres.
4
Faith sees the Lord of glory come,
His flaming guards around;
The skies divide to make him room,
His trumpet shakes the ground.
5
She hears the voice, "ye dead arise,"
She sees the graves obey!
And waking saints, with joyful eyes,
Salute th' expected day.
[Page 121]
6They leave the dust, and on the wing,
Surmount the yielding air;
In shining garments, meet their king,
And bow before him there.
7
O! may we then among them stand,
Cloth'd in celestial white;
The meanest place at his right hand
Gives infinite delight.
Hymn CXIII. Common Metre. Pardoning Mercy.
1
HOW oft alas! this wretched heart
Has wander'd from the Lord!
How oft my erring thoughts depart,
Forgetful of thy word!
2
Yet sovereign mercy cries "return,"
Lord, at thy call, I come;
My vile ingratitude I mourn,
O take the wanderer home.
3
And canst thou, wilt thou yet forgive?
And all my crimes remove?
And shall a pardon'd rebel live,
To speak thy wondrous love?
[Page 122]
4Almighty grace, thy healing power
How glorious! how divine!
That can, to life and bliss restore,
So vile a heart as mine!
5
Thy pardoning love, forever free,
With rapture I adore;
Lord, I devote myself to thee
And long to love thee more.
Hymn CXIV. Long Metre. The Gospel Feast.
1
HOW rich are thy provisions, Lord!
Thy table furnish'd from above;
The fruits of life o'erspread the board,
The cup o'erflows with heavenly!
2
Thine ancient family, the Jews,
Were first invited to the feast;
We humbly take what they refuse,
And Gentiles thy salvation taste.
3
We are the poor, the blind, the lame,
And help was far and death was nigh;
Yet, at the gospel call, we came,
And every want receiv'd supply.
4
From the highway that leads to hell,
From paths of darkness and despair;
[Page 123]Lord we are come with thee to dwell,
Glad to enjoy thy presence here.
5
What shall we pay our heavenly friend,
Who left the sky, his blest abode,
And did to this low earth descend,
To bring us wanderersback to God?
6
Our everlasting love is due,
To him, who pity'd sinners lost!
And paid our ransom when he knew,
His precious life must be the cost.
Hymn CXV. Common Metre. Rich Treasure in earthen Vessels.
1
HOW rich thy bounty, king of kings!
Thy favours how divine!
The blessings which thy gospel brings
How splendidly they shine!
2
Gold is but dross, and gems but toys,
Should gold and gems compare;
How mean! when set against those joys,
Thy poorest servants share.
3
Yet all these treasures of thy grace
Are lodg'd in urns of clay,
[Page 124]And the weak sons of mortal race
Th' immortal gifts convey.
4
Feebly they lisp thy glories forth,
Yet grace the victory gives;
Quickly they moulder back to earth,
Yet still the gospel lives.
5
Such wonders power divine effects,
Such trophies God can raise;
His hand from crumbling dust erects
His monuments of praise.
Hymn CXVI. Common Metre. The Frailty and Folly of Man.
1
HOW short and hasty is our life!
How vast our soul's affairs!
Yet foolish mortals vainly strive
To lavish out their years.
2
Our days run thoughtlessly along,
Without a moment's stay;
Just like a story or a song,
We pass our lives away.
3
God from on high invites us home,
But we march heedless on;
[Page 125]And ever hastening to the tomb
Stoop downward as we run.
4
Draw us, O God, with sovereign grace,
And lift our thoughts on high;
That we may end this mortal race,
And see salvation nigh.
Hymn CXVII. Common Metre.
God's Justice and Power. Job ix, 2, 10.
1
HOW should the sons of Adam's race,
Be just before their God!
If he contend in righteousness,
We fall beneath his rod.
2
To vindicate my words and thoughts
I'll make no vain pretence;
Not one of all my num'rous faults
Can bear a just defence.
3
Strong is his arm, his heart is wise,
What vain presumers dare
Against their maker's power to rise,
And impious war declare!
4
Mountains, by his almighty wrath,
From their old seats are torn;
[Page 126]He shakes the pillars of the earth,
And all the nations mourn.
5
Through the wide air, the mighty rocks
Are swift as hail-stones thrown;
Whilst Etna pours with horrid shocks,
Her melted entrails down.
6
He bids the Sun forbear to rise,
Th' obedient Sun forbears;
His hand with darkness spreads the skies,
And seals up all the stars.
7
He walks upon the stormy sea,
And rides upon the wind;
No flesh can trace his wond'rous way,
Nor his dark footsteps find.
8
Yet, mighty God, thy sovereign grace
Sits regent on the throne,
The refuge of thy chosen race,
When wrath comes rushing down.
Hymn CXVIII. Common Metre. The Gospel Feast.
1
HOW sweet and awful is the place,
With Christ within the doors!
[Page 127]Here everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores!
2
Whilst all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast;
Each of us say, with thankful tongues,
"Lord why was I a guest?
3
"Why was I made to hear thy voice,
And enter whilst there's room,
When thousands make a wretched choice
And rather starve than come?"
4
'Twas the same love that spread the feast,
Which gently drew us in;
Or we had still refus'd to taste,
And perish'd in our sin.
5
Pity the nations, O our Lord,
Compel the Jews to come;
Send thy victorious word abroad,
And bring thy people home.
6
We long to see thy churches full,
That all the chosen race,
May with one voice, and heart and soul,
Sing thy redeeming grace.
[Page 128]
Hymn CXIX. Particular Metre. The Beauties of the Spring.
1
HOW sweetly along the gay mead
The daisies and cowslips are seen!
The flocks as they carelessly feed
Rejoice in the beautiful green!
[...]
The vines that encircle the bowers,
The herbage that springs from the sod,
Trees, plants, cooling fruits and sweet flowers,
All rise to the praise of my God.
3
Shall man the great master of all
The only insensible prove?
Forbid it, fair gratitude's call,
Forbid it, devotion and love.
4
The Lord who such wonders can raise
And still can destroy with a nod,
My lips shall incessantly praise
My soul shall rejoice in my God.
Hymn CXX. Long Metre. Justice.
1
IF high or low our station be,
Of noble or ignoble name;
[Page 129]By uncorrupt integrity
Thy blessing Lord we humbly claim.
2
The upright man no want shall fear,
Thy providence shall be his trust;
Thou wilt provide his portion here,
Thou friend and guardian of the just.
3
May we, with most sincere delight,
To all, the test of duty pay;
Tender of every social right,
Obedient to thy righteous sway.
4
Such virtue thou wilt not forget,
In that blest world, where virtue shares
A fit reward; though not of debt,
But what thy boundless grace prepares.
Hymn CXXI. Short Metre. Compassion and Forgiveness.
1
I HEAR the voice of woe!
I hear a brother's sigh!
Then, let my heart with pity flow,
With tears of love mine eye.
2
I hear the thirsty cry!
The hungry beg for bread!
[Page 130]Then, let my spring its stream supply,
My hand its bounty shed.
3
The debtor humbly sues,
Who would, but cannot pay,
And shall I lenity refuse
Who need it every day?
4
Shall not my wrath relent,
Touch'd by that humble strain,
My brother crying "I repent,
"Nor will offend again?"
5
If not, how shall I dare
Appear before thy face,
Great God, and how present the prayer
For thy forgiving grace?
6
They who forgive, shall find,
Remission, in that day,
When all the merciful and kind
Thy pity shall repay.
7
But all who here below
Mercy refuse to grant,
Shall judgment without mercy know,
When mercy most they want.
[Page 131]
Hymn CXXII. Common Metre. Not ashamed of the Gospel.
1
I'M not asham'd to own my Lord,
Or to defend his cause;
Maintain the honour of his word,
The glory of his cross.
2
Jesus, my God, I know his name,
His name is all my trust;
Nor will he put my soul to shame,
Nor let my hope be lost.
3
Firm as his throne, his promise stand [...],
And he can well secure,
What I've committed to his hands,
Till the decisive hour.
4
Then will he own my worthless name,
Before his father's face;
And in the new Jerusalem,
Appoint my soul a place.
Hymn CXXIII. Short Metre. The Love of Truth.
1
IMPOSTURE shrinks from light
And [...]reads the curious eye;
[Page 132]But christian truths the test invite
They bid us search and try.
2
A meek inquiring mind
Lord help us to maintain;
That growing knowledge we may [...]nd,
And growing virtue gain.
3
With understanding bless'd,
Created to be free,
Our faith on man we dare not rest,
Subject to none but thee.
4
Give us the light we need,
Our minds with knowledge fill,
From noxious error guard our creed,
From prejudice, our will.
5
The truth thou shalt impart
May we with firmness own;
Abhorring each evasive art,
And fearing thee alone.
Hymn CXXIV. Common Metre. A Song of Praise.
1
INDULGENT father, how divine!
How bright thy glori [...]s are!
Thro' nature's ample round they shine,
Thy goodness to declare.
[Page 133]
2But, in the nobler work of grace,
What winning mercy smiles!
In my divine Redeemer's face,
And every fear beguiles.
3
Such wonders, Lord, while I survey,
To thee, my thanks shall rise;
When morning ushers in the day,
Or evening veils the skies.
4
When glimmering life resigns its flame,
Thy praise shall tune my breath;
The sweet remembrance of thy name
Shall gild the shades of death.
5
But, O how blest my song shall rise,
When freed from feeble clay;
And all thy glories meet mine eyes,
In one eternal day!
6
Not Seraphs who resound thy name,
Thro' the etherial plains,
Shall glow with a diviner flame,
Or raise sublimer strains.
Hymn CXXV. Common Metre. An Evening Hymn.
1
INDULGENT God, whose bounteous care
O'er all thy works is shown,
[Page 134]O let my grateful praise and prayer
Arise before thy throne.
2
What mercies has this day bestow'd!
How largely hast thou bless'd!
My cup with plenty overflow'd,
With cheerfulness my breast.
3
Now may soft slumbers close my eyes,
From pain and sickness free;
And let my waking thoughts arise,
To meditate on thee.
4
Thus bless each future day and night,
Till life's vain scene is o'er;
And then to realms of endless light,
O let my spirit soar.
Hymn CXXVI. Common Metre. Looking to Him whom we have Pierced.
1
INFINITE grief! amazing woe!
Behold our bleeding Lord!
Hell and the Jews conspir'd his death,
And us'd the Roman sword.
2
O, the sharp pangs of pain and grief,
That our Redeemer bore!
When scourging whips and pointed thorns
His sacred body tore!
[Page 135]
3But scourging whips and pointed thorns,
In vain do we accuse;
In vain we blame the Roman bands,
And the more spiteful Jews.
4
Our sins, alas, our cruel sins
His chief tormentors were;
Each of our crimes became a nail,
And unbelief the spear.
5
S [...]ike, mighty grace, our flinty souls,
Till melting waters flow;
And deep con [...]ition drown our eyes,
In undissembled woe.
6
But flowing tears cannot suffice,
To make repentance sure;
Then let our hearts be purify'd
As Christ the Lord is pure.
Hymn CXXVII. Short Metre. Ba [...]tism by Immersion.
1
IN such a grave as this,
The meek redeemer lay,
When he our souls to seek and save
Learn'd humbly to obey.
[Page 136]
2See how the spotless lamb
Descends into the stream!
And teaches us to imitate,
What him so well became.
3
Let sinners wash away,
Their sins of crimson dye;
Bury'd with him, their vilest sins
Shall in oblivion lie.
4
Rise, and ascend with him,
A heavenly life to lead;
Who came to ransom guilty men,
From regions of the dead.
5
Lord, see the sinner's tears!
Hear his repenting cry!
Speak, and his contrite heart shall live,
Speak, and his sins shall die.
6
Speak, with that mighty voice,
Which shall hereafter spread
Its summons through the earth and sea,
To raise the sleeping dead.
Hymn CXXVIII. Common Metre.
God our Portion. Psalm iv.6, 7.
1
IN vain the erring world inquires
For true substantial good;
[Page 137]Whilst earth confines their low desires,
They live on airy food.
2
Illusive dreams of happiness
Their eager tho'ts employ;
They wake, convinc'd their boasted bliss
Was visionary joy.
3
Not all the good which earth bestows,
Can fill the craving mind;
Its highest joys have mingled woes,
And leave a sting behind.
4
Be gone, ye gilded vanities!
I seek some solid good;
To real bliss my wishes rise,
The favour of my God.
5
To thee, my God, my soul aspires,
Dispel these shades of night,
Enlarge and fill these vast desires,
With infinite delight.
6
Immortal joy thy smiles impart,
Heaven dawns in every ray;
One glimpse of thee will glad my heart
And turn my night to day.
[Page 138]
Hymn CXXIX. Common Metre. The Covenant of Grace.
1
IN vain we lavish out our lives,
To gather empty wind;
The choicest blessings earth can yield
Will starve a hungry mind.
2
But God can every want supply,
And fill our hearts with peace;
He gives by cov'nant and by oath
The riches of his grace.
3
Pardon he speaks to contrite souls,
This is the joyful sound,
"Your sins shall sink beneath the sea,
And shall no more be found.
4
"And lest pollution should o'erspread
Your inward powers again;
My spirit shall bedew your souls,
Like purifying rain.
5
"Your stony hearts I'll take away,
That will not be refin'd;
And put within you, tender hearts,
To my blest will inclin'd.
6
"On them my spirit shall engrave
The precepts of my law;
And by the gentle cords of love
Your willing souls shall draw."
[Page 139]
7Lord we receive thy pardoning grace,
We yield to thy commands;
Thou art our God, and we are thine,
In everlasting bands.
Hymn CXXX. Long Metre. Christ the Way to God.
1
IN vain would boasting reason find
The way to happiness and God;
Her weak directions leave the mind,
Bewilder'd in a doubtful road.
2
Jesus, no other name but thine,
Is given by everlasting love,
To lead our souls to joys divine;
No other name will God approve.
3
Eternal life thy words impart,
On these, my fainting spirit lives;
Diviner comforts cheer my heart
Than all the power of nature gives.
4
To whom but thee, shall mortals go,
To find the true and living way,
That leads us thro' this world of woe.
To the bright realms of endless day.
5
Here let my constant feet abide,
Nor from the heavenly way depart!
[Page 140]Let thy good spirit be my guide,
Direct my steps and rule my heart.
6
In thee, my great, almighty friend,
My safety dwells and peace divine;
On thee alone my hopes depend,
For life, eternal life is thine.
Hymn CXXXI: Long Metre. The Blessing of the Gospel.
1
IN various forms to saints of old,
God did his mind and will unfold;
But Christ commission'd from above,
Hath now reveal'd his grace and love.
2
We read the volume of thy word,
That book of life, that true record;
The bright inheritance of heaven
Is by this sure conveyance given.
3
His kindest thoughts a [...] here exprest;
Able to make us wise and blest;
His doctrines are divinely true,
Fit for reproof and comfort too.
4
We render thanks to God above,
For his rich grace and boundless love;
Let all mankind receive his word,
And every nation bless the Lord.
[Page 141]
Hymn CXXXII. Common Metre. The Victory of Christ's Death.
1
I SING my Saviour's wondrous death,
He conquer'd when he fell;
"Tis finish'd," said his dying breath,
And shook the gates of hell.
2
"Tis finish'd," our Immanuel cries,
His sufferings then were done;
His kingdom then appear'd to rise,
His victory was begun.
3
A person so divine was he,
Who yielded to be slain;
That he could give his life away,
And take his life again.
4
His cross a sure foundation laid,
For glory and renown!
As thro' the regions of the dead,
He pass'd to reach the crown.
5
Live, glorious Lord, and reign above,
And every tongue shall sing;
The riches of eternal love,
The conquest of our king.
[Page 142]
Hymn CXXXIII. Common Metre. Christ precious in Life and Death.
1
JESUS, I love thy glorious name,
Tis music to my ear;
Fain would I sound it out so loud,
That heaven and earth might hear.
2
Yes, thou art precious to my soul,
My treasure and my trust;
Jewels to thee are gaudy toys,
And gold is sordid dust.
3
All my capacious powers can wish
In thee doth richly meet;
Not to my eyes is light so dear,
Nor friendship half so sweet.
4
Thy grace still dwells upon my heart,
And sheds its fragrance there;
The richest balm of all its wounds,
The cordial of its care.
5
I'll speak the honors of thy name,
With my last labouring breath;
Then speechless give my soul to thee,
The antidote of death.
[Page 143]
Hymn CXXXIV. Long Metre. The Memorial of our absent Lord.
1
JESUS is gone above the sky,
Where our weak senses reach him not;
And carnal objects court our eye,
To thrust our Saviour from our thought.
2
He knows what wandering hearts we have,
How weak our faith and hope might prove;
And to refresh our minds he gave
This kind memorial of his love.
3
The Lord of life this table spread,
With his own flesh and dying blood;
We on the rich provision feed,
And taste the wine and bless our God.
4
Let sinful sweets be all forgot,
And earth grow less in our esteem;
Christ and his love fill every thought,
And faith and hope be fix'd on him.
5
Whilst he is absent from our sight,
'Tis to prepare our souls a place;
That we may dwell in heavenly light,
And live forever near his face.
[Page 144]
Hymn CXXXV. Common Metre. Relieving Christ in his Saints.
1
JESUS, my Lord, how rich thy grace!
Thy bounties how complete!
How shall I count the matchless sum?
How pay the mighty debt?
2
High on a throne of radiant light,
Dost thou exalted shine;
What can my poverty bestow,
When all the world is thine?
3
But thou hast brethren here below,
Partakers of thy grace;
And wilt confess their humble names,
Before thy Father's face.
4
In them, thou may'st be cloth'd and fed,
And visited and cheer'd;
And in their accents of distress,
My saviour's voice is heard.
5
Thy face, with reverence and with love,
I in thy poor would see;
Lord, I would rather beg my bread,
Than hold it back from thee.
[Page 145]
Hymn CXXXVI. Common Metre. Redemption.
1
JESUS, th' eternal Son of God,
Whom heavenly powers obey,
The bosom of his father left,
And enter'd human clay.
2
Into our sinful world he came,
The messenger of grace;
And on the cursed tree expir'd,
A victim in our place.
3
Transgressors of the deepest stain
In him salvation find;
His blood removes the foulest guilt,
His spirit heals the mind.
4
Our Jesus saves from sin and death,
His promises are sure;
And on this rock our souls may rest,
Immoveably secure.
5
O let these tidings be receiv'd,
With universal joy;
And let the high angelic praise·
Our tuneful powers employ.
6
Glory to God, who gave his Son,
To bear our shame and pain;
[Page 146]Hence peace on earth and grace to man
Through all succession reign.
Hymn CXXXVII. Long Metre. The Union of Christ and his Church.
1
JESUS, thou everlasting King,
Accept the tribute which we bring;
Accept the well deserv'd renown,
And wear our praises as thy crown.
2
Let every act of homage be
Like our espousals, Lord, to thee;
Like the blest hour, when from above
We first receiv'd thy pledge of love.
3
The gladness of that happy day!
Our hearts would wish it long to stay;
Let not our faith forsake its hold,
Nor comfort sink, nor love grow cold.
4
May every minute, as it flies,
Increase thy praise, improve our joys▪
Till we are rais'd to sing thy name,
At the great supper of the Lamb.
[Page 147]
Hymn CXXXVIII. Long Metre. No other Name than Christ for Salvation.
1
JESUS, thou spring of joys divine,
Whence all our hope and comfort slow;
Jesus, no other name but thine
Can save us from eternal woe.
2
In vain would boasting reason find
The way to happiness and God;
Her weak directions leave the mind
Bewilder'd in a dubious road.
3
No other name will heaven approve,
Thou art the sure the living way;
Ordain'd by everlasting love,
To the bright realms of endless day.
4
Here let our constant feet abide,
Nor from the heavenly road depart;
O let thy spirit, gracious guide,
Direct our steps and rule our heart.
5
Safe lead us through this world of night,
And bring us to the blissful plains;
The regions of unclouded light,
Where perfect joy forever reigns.
[Page 148]
Hymn CXXXIX. Common Metre. Christ the Head of his Church.
1
JESUS, we sing thy matchless grace,
That calls such worms thy own;
Gives us among thy saints a place,
And brings us near thy throne.
2
When join'd to thee, our vital head,
Our virtues grow and thrive;
From thee divided, each is dead,
Though it may seem alive.
3
Thy saints on earth and those above
All join in sweet accord;
The body one, in mutual love,
And thou our common Lord.
4
O may our humble faith receive
Thy spirit with delight;
Then time and death in vain shall strive,
The bond to disunite.
Hymn CXL. Hallelujah Metre. The Offices and Names of Christ.
1
JOIN all the glorious names
Of wisdom and of power,
[Page 149]That ever mortals knew,
That ever angels bore;
All are too mean, To speak his worth,
Or set Immanuel's Glory forth.
2
Great Prophet of our God
Our souls would bless thy name;
By thee, the joyful news
Of our salvation came.
The joyful news Of sins forgiv'n,
Of hell subdu'd, And peace with heav'n.
3
Jesus, our great High-Priest
Hath shed his blood, and died;
Our guilty conscience seeks
No [...]acrifice beside.
His precious blood Did once [...]rone
And now he pleads, Before the throne.
4
Our great almighty Lord,
Our Saviour and our King;
Thy sceptre and thy sword,
Thy reigning grace we sing.
Thine is the power, Behold we sit
Thy willing captives, At thy feet.
5
We hear our Shepherds voice,
His watchful eyes shall keep,
Our wandering souls among
Ten thousands of his sheep.
He feeds his flock, He knows their names,
His bosom bears The tender lambs.
[Page 150]
6Should the proud host of death
And powers of hell unknown,
Put their most dreadful forms
Of rage and malice on,
We shall be safe, For Christ displays
Superior power, And guardian grace.
Hymn CXLI. Common Metre. Divine Counsels.
1
KEEP silence, all created things,
And wait your maker's nod!
My soul stands trembling whilst she sings
The honours of her God.
2
Life, death and hell and worlds unknown
Hang on his firm decree;
He sits on no precarious throne,
Nor borrows leave to be.
3
Before his throne, a volume lies,
With all the fates of men;
With every angel's form and size,
Drawn by the eternal pen.
4
His providence unfolds the book,
And makes his counsels shine;
Each opening leaf, and every stroke,
Fulfils some kind design.
[Page 151]
5Here he exalts neglected worms,
To sceptres and a crown;
And then, the following page he turns,
And treads the monarch down.
6
No creature asks the reason why,
Nor God the reason gives;
No favourite angel dares to pry,
Between the folded leaves.
7
My God, I would not wish to see
My fate with curious eyes;
What gloomy lines are writ for me,
Or what bright scenes may rise.
8
In thy fair book of life and grace,
May I but find my name,
Recorded, in some humble place,
Beneath my Lord, the Lamb.
Hymn CXLII. Common Metre. The Scriptures.
1
LADEN with guilt and full of fears
I come to thee, my Lord;
For not a ray of hope appears
But in thy holy word.
2
The volume of my Father's grace
Does all my grief assuage;
[Page 152]There I behold my Saviour's face
In every sacred page.
3
This is the field where hidden lies
The pearl of price unknown;
Then blest is he who wisely tries
To make that pearl his own.
4
Here living water gently flows
To wash me from my sin;
Here the fair tree of knowledge grows,
Nor danger dwells therein.
5
This is the judge that ends the strife
Where sense and reason fail;
My guide to everlasting life,
Thro' all this gloomy vale.
6
May thy wise counsels, O my God,
These roving feet command;
Lest I forsake the happy road
That leads to thy right hand.
Hymn CXLIII. Common Metre. In a Thunder Storm.
1
LET coward guilt, with palid fear,
To sheltering caverns s [...]y;
[Page 153]And justly dread the vengeful fate,
Which thunders through the sky.
2
Protected by that hand, whose law
The threatning storms obey,
Intrepid virtue smiles secure,
And in the blaze of day.
3
In the thick cloud's tremendous gloom,
The lightning's horrid glare,
It views the same all gracious power,
Which breathes the vernal air.
4
Through nature's ever varying scene,
By different ways pursu'd;
The one eternal end of heaven
Is universal good.
5
With like beneficent effect,
O'er flaming ether glows;
As when it tunes the linnet's voice,
And blushes in the rose.
6
When through creation's vast expanse,
The last dread thunders roll;
Untune the concord of the spheres,
And shake the guilty soul;
7
Unmov'd, may we the final storm
Of jarring worlds survey;
That ushers in the tranquil morn,
Of everlasting day.
[Page 154]
Hymn CXLIV. Common Metre. The Gospel Invitation.
1
LET every mortal ear attend,
And every heart rejoice;
The trumpet of the Gospel sounds,
With an inviting voice.
2
Ho! all ye hungry starving souls,
Who feed upon the wind;
And vainly strive with earthly toys,
To fill the immortal mind!
3
Eternal wisdom has prepar'd
A soul reviving feast;
And bids your longing appetites
The rich provision taste.
4
Ho! ye that pant for living streams,
And pine away and die;
Here you may quench your raging thirst,
With streams that never dry.
5
Rivers of love and mercy here
In a rich ocean join;
Salvation in abundance flows,
Like floods of milk and wine.
6
O Lord, the treasures of thy love
Are deep, unfathom'd mines;
Deep as our helpless miseries are,
And boundless as our sins.
[Page 155]
7The happy gates of gospel grace
Stand open night and day;
We humbly seek that rich supply,
That drives our wants away.
Hymn CXLV. Long Metre. True Charity.
1
LET men of high conceit and zeal
Their fervours and their faith proclaim;
If Charity be wanting still,
The rest is but a sounding name.
2
Patient and meek, she suffers long
And slowly her resentments rise;
Soon she forgets the greatest wrong,
And soon the angry passion dies.
3
She envies none their better state,
But makes her neighbour's bliss her own;
Nor vaunts herself with mind elate,
But still a modest air puts on.
4
Her neighbour's infamy and ill
To her, no entertainment give,
She's pleas'd to see him prosper still,
And still in good repute to live.
[Page 156]
5This is the grace that reigns on high
And will forever brightly burn;
When hope shall in enjoyment die,
And faith to intuition turn.
Hymn CXLVI. Long Metre. The Conquest of Michael over the Dragon.
1
LET mortal tongues attempt to sing,
The wars of heaven, when Michael stood
Appointed by the eternal king,
To fight the battles of our God.
2
Against the dragon and his host,
The armies of the Lord prevail;
In vain they rage, in vain they boast,
Their courage sinks, their weapons fail▪
3
Down to the earth was Satan thrown,
Down to the earth his legions fell;
Then was the trump of triumph blown
And shook the dreadfu [...] deeps of hell.
4
Now is the hour of darkness past,
Christ hath assum'd his reigning power;
Behold the great accuser cast,
Down from the skies, to rise no more.
[Page 157]
5'Twas by thy blood, immortal Lamb,
Th [...]e armies trod the Dragon down;
'Twas by thy word and powerful name,
They gain'd the battle and renown.
6
Rejoice, ye heavens, let every star,
Shine with new glories round the sky;
Saints, while ye sing the heavenly war,
Raise your deliverer's name on high.
Hymn CXLVII. Common Metre. Frail Bodies and God our Preserver.
1
LET others boast how strong they be,
Nor death nor danger fear;
But we'll confess, O Lord, to thee,
What feeble things we are.
2
Fresh as the grass, our bodies stand,
And flourish bright and gay;
A blasting wind sweeps o'er the land,
And fades the grass away.
3
Our flesh contains a thousand springs,
And dies if one be gone;
Strange! that a harp of thousand strings
Should keep in tune so long!
[Page 158]
4But 'tis our God supports our frame,
The God who made us first;
Salvation to th' almighty name,
That rear'd us from the dust.
5
Whilst we have breath or use our tongues,
Our maker we'll adore;
His spirit moves our heaving lungs,
Or they would breathe no more.
Hymn CXLVIII. Short Metre. Catholicism.
1
LET party names no more
The Christian world o'erspread;
Gentile and Jew and bond and free
Are one in Christ their head.
2
Among the saints on earth,
Let mutual love be found;
Heirs of the same inheritance,
With mutual blessings crown'd.
3
Let envy, child of hell,
Be banish'd far away;
Those should in strictest friendship d [...]ell,
Who the same Lord obey.
[Page 159]
4Thus will the church below,
Resemble that above;
Where streams of pleasure always flow,
And every heart is love.
Hymn CXLIX. Common Metre. Charity greater than Faith or Hope.
1
LET Pharisees of high esteem,
Their faith and zeal declare,
All their religion is a dream
If love be wanting there.
2
Love suffers long with patient eye
Nor is provok'd in haste;
She lets the present inj'ry die
And long forgets the past.
3
Malice and rage, those fires of hell,
She quenches with her tongue;
Hopes and believes and thinks no ill,
Tho' she endures the wrong.
4
She ne'er desires nor seeks to know
The scandals of the time;
Nor looks with pride on those below
Nor envies those who climb.
[Page 160]
5She lays her own advantage by
To seek her neighbour's good;
So God's own son came down to die,
And save us by his blood.
6
Love is the grace that keeps her power
In the blest realms above;
There faith and hope are known no more
But Saints forever love.
Hymn CL. Common Metre. Sincerity.
1
LET those who bear the christian name
Their promises fulfil,
The saints, the followers of the Lamb,
Are men of honour still.
2
True to the solemn oaths they take
Tho' to their hurt they swear;
Constant and just to all they speak,
For God and angels hear.
3
Still with their lips, their hearts agree,
Nor flattering words devise:
They know the God of truth can see
Thro' every false disguise.
4
They hate th' appearance of a lie
In all the shapes it wears;
[Page 161]And God has promis'd, when they die,
Eternal life is theirs.
5
Lo, from afar the Lord descends
And brings the judgment down;
He bids his saints, his faithful friends,
Rise and possess their crown.
Hymn CLI. Common Metre.
The Bread of Life.— John vi.49, 54.
1
LET us adore the eternal word,
'Tis he our souls hath fed;
Thou art our living stream, O Lord,
And thou the immortal bread.
2
The manna came from lower skies;
But Jesus from above;
Where the fresh springs of pleasure rise,
And rivers flow with love.
3
The ancient fathers, dy'd at last,
Who ate that heavenly bread;
But these provisions which we taste
Can raise us from the dead.
[Page 162]
4Blest be the Lord that gives his flesh
To nourish dying men;
And often spreads his table fresh
Lest we should faint again.
5
Our souls shall draw their heavenly breath
While Jesus finds supplies;
Nor shall our graces sink to death,
For Jesus never dies.
6
Daily our mortal flesh decays,
But Christ our life shall come;
And by his mighty power shall raise
Our bodies from the tomb.
Hymn CLII. Common Metre. On the Death of a Child.
1
LIFE is a span, a fleeting hour,
How soon the vapour flies!
Man is a tender transient flower
That in the blooming dies.
2
Death spreads, like winter, frozen arms
And beauty smiles no more;
Where, now are fled those rising charms
Which pleas'd our eyes before?
[Page 163]
3The once lov'd form now cold and dead
Each mournful thought employs,
And nature weeps her comforts fled
And wither'd all her joys.
4
But wait the interposing gloom
And lo! stern winter flies!
And drest in beauty's fairest bloom,
The flowery tribes arise.
5
Hope looks beyond the bounds of time,
When, what we now deplore
Shall rise in full immortal prime,
And bloom, to fade no more.
6
Then cease, fond nature, dry thy tears,
Religion points on high;
There everlasting spring appears,
And joys that never die.
Hymn CLIII. Long Metre. Life and Death.
1
LIFE is the time to serve the Lord,
The time t'insure the great reward;
And whilst the lamp holds out to burn,
The vilest sinner may return.
2
Life is the hour which God has given,
To 'scape from hell and fly to heav'n;
[Page 164]The day of grace and mortals may
Secure the blessings of the day.
3
The living know that they must die,
But all the dead forgotten lie;
Their memory and their sense are gone,
Alike unknowing and unknown.
4
Their hatred and their love are lost,
Their envy buried in the dust;
They have no share in all that's done,
Beneath the circuit of the sun.
5
No acts of pardon can be past,
In the cold grave to which we haste:
For no repentance can be found,
Nor faith, nor hope, beneath the ground.
6
Then what my thoughts design to do,
My soul, with all thy might pursue;
Believe, and take the promis'd rest,
Obey, and be forever blest.
Hymn CLIV. Common Metre. Conviction of Sin, and Relief by the Gospel.
1
LORD, how secure my conscience was
And felt no inward dread!
I was alive without the law,
And thought my sins were dead!
[Page 165]
2My hopes of heaven were firm and bright,
But since the precept came,
With a convincing power and light,
I find how vile I am.
3
My guilt appear'd but small before
Till terrify'd I saw,
How perfect, holy, just and pure
Is thine eternal law.
4
Then f [...]lt my soul the heavy load,
My sins reviv'd again;
I had provok'd a holy God
And all my hopes are vain.
5
My God, what power shall I invoke
With my last lab'ring breath,
To rid me of this wretched yoke,
These bonds of sin and death.
6
In Jesus I behold thy face,
Thy mercy there I see;
Thro' him I trust thy boundless grace,
To set the pris'ner free.
Hymn CLV. Common Metre. Recovery from Sickness.
1
LORD in thy service I would spend
The remnant of my days;
[Page 166]Why was this fleeting breath renew'd,
But to renew thy praise?
2
Thy own almighty power and love
Did this weak frame sustain,
When life was hovering o'er the grave
And nature sunk with pain.
3
Thou, when the pains of death were felt,
Didst chase the fears of hell;
And teach my pale and quiv'ring lips
Thy matchless grace to tell.
4
Into thy hands, my Saviour God,
I did my soul resign;
In firm dependence on that truth
Which made salvation mine.
5
From the dark borders of the grave
At thy command I come;
Nor would I urge a speedier flight
To my celestial home.
6
Where thou shalt settle my abode
There would I choose to be;
For in thy presence, death is life,
And earth is heav'n with thee.
[Page 167]
Hymn CLVI. Long Metre. Storm and Thunder.
1
LORD of the earth, and sea, and skies,
All nature owns thy sovereign power;
At thy command the tempests rise,
At thy command the thunders roar.
2
We hear with trembling and affright
The voice of heaven, tremendous sound!
Keen lightnings pierce the shades of night,
And spread their horrors all around.
3
What mortal could sustain the stroke,
Should wrath divine in dreadful storms,
Which our repeated crimes provoke,
Descend to crush rebellious worms!
4
These dreadful glories of thy name
With terror would o'erwhelm our souls;
But mercy dawns with kinder beam,
And guilt and rising fear controls.
5
O let thy mercy, on my heart,
With cheering, healing radiance shine;
Bid every anxious fear depart,
And gently whisper "thou art mine."
6
Then, safe beneath thy guardian care,
In hope serene, my soul shall rest;
Nor storms nor dangers reach me there,
In thee, my God, my refuge blest.
[Page 168]
Hymn CLVII. Long Metre. The Eternal Sabbath.
1
LORD of the Sabbath hear our vows,
On this thy day, in this thy house;
And let our songs and worship rise
Like grateful incense to the skies.
2
Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love;
But there's a nobler rest above;
To that, our labouring souls aspire
With ardent pangs of strong desire.
3
No more fatigue, no more distress,
Nor sin, nor death shall reach the place;
No groans shall mingle with the songs,
Which warble from immortal tongues.
4
No rude alarms, no raging foes,
To interrupt the long repose;
No midnight shade, no clouded Sun,
To veil the bright eternal noon.
5
O long expected day, begin,
Dawn on these realms of death and sin;
Fain would we quit this weary road,
And sleep in death, to rest with God.
[Page 169]
Hymn CLVIII. Common Metre. Divine Goodness.
1
LORD thou art good, all nature shows
Thee full and free and kind;
Thy bounty thro' creation flows,
Nor can it be confin'd.
2
The whole in every part proclaims
Thy infinite good will!
It shines in stars, it flows in streams,
And bursts from every hill.
3
It fills the wide extended main,
And heavens which spread more wide;
It drops in gentle showers of rain,
And rolls in every tide.
4
Still hath it been diffus'd and free,
Through ages past and gone;
Nor ever can exhausted be,
But still keeps flowing on.
5
Through the whole earth it pours supplies,
Spreads joy thro' all its parts;
Lord, may thy goodness draw our eyes,
And captivate our hearts.
6
High admiration let it raise,
And kind affections move;
Employ our tongues in hymns of praise,
And fill our hearts with love.
[Page 170]
Hymn CLIX. Short Metre. The Promise to Believers and their Children.
1
LORD, what our ears have heard,
Our eyes delighted trace;
Thy love in long succession shown
To Sion's chosen race.
2
Our children thou dost claim
And mark them out for thine,
Ten thousand blessings to thy name
For goodness so divine.
3
Thee, let the fathers own,
And thee, the sons adore;
Join'd to the Lord in solemn vows,
To be forgot no more.
4
Thy cov'nant may they keep
And bless the happy bands,
Which closer still engage their hearts
To honour thy commands.
5
How great thy mercies Lord,
How plenteous is thy grace!
Which, in the promise of thy love,
Includes our rising race.
6
Our offspring, still thy care,
Shall own their father's God,
To latest times thy blessing share,
And sound thy praise abroad.
[Page 171]
Hymn CLX. Common Metre. Creation and Providence.
1
LORD when my raptur'd tho't surveys
Creation's beauties o'er,
All nature joins to teach thy praise,
And bid my soul adore.
2
Where'er I turn my gazing eyes
Thy radiant footsteps shine;
Ten thousand pleasing wonders rise
And speak the hand divine.
3
The living tribes of countless forms,
In earth and sea and air;
The meanest flies, the smallest worms,
Almighty power declare.
4
All rose to life at thy command,
And wait their daily food,
From thy paternal, bounteous hand,
Exhaustless spring of good!
5
The meads, array'd in beauteous green,
With wholesome herbage crown'd;
The fields with corn, a richer scene,
Spread thy full bounties round.
6
The fruitful tree, the blooming flower,
In varied charms appear;
Their varied charms display thy power,
Thy goodness all declare.
[Page 172]
7The sun's productive quick'ning beams
The growing verdure spread;
Refreshing rains and cooling streams
His gentle influence aid.
8
The moon and stars his absent light
Reflect with borrow'd rays;
And deck the sable veil of night
And speak their maker's praise.
Hymn CLXI. Long Metre. Faith in the Redeeme [...]'s Sacrifice.
1
LORD, when my tho'ts delighted rove
Amidst the wonders of thy love;
Glad hope revives my drooping heart,
And bids intruding fea [...] depart.
2
But whilst thy sufferings I survey,
And saith enjoys a heavenly ray,
These dear memorials of thy pain
Present anew the dreadful scene.
3
I hear thy groans, with deep surprize,
And view thy wounds with weeping eyes;
Each bleeding wound, each dying groan,
With anguish fill'd, and pains unknown.
[Page 173]
4For mortal crimes, a sacrifice,
The Lord of life, the Saviour dies;
What love, what mercy, how divine!
And can I call the Saviour mine?
5
Repenting sorrow fills my heart,
But mingling joy allays the smart;
O may my future life declare,
The sorrow and the joy sincere.
6
Be all my heart, and all my d [...]s
Devoted to my Saviour's praise;
And let my glad obedience prove
How much I owe, how much I love.
Hymn CLXII. Long Metre. The Gospel Jubilee.
1
LOUD let the tuneful trumpet sound,
And spread the joyful tidings round;
Let every [...]oul with transport hear,
And hail the Lord's accepted year.
2
Ye debtors, whom he gives to know,
That you ten thousand talents owe,
When humbled at his feet you fall,
Your gracious Lord forgives them all.
3
Slaves, who have borne the heavy chain,
Of sin and hell's tyrannic reign,
[Page 174]To liberty assert your claim,
And plead the great Redeemer's name.
4
The rich inheritance of heaven
Your joy, your crown are freely giv'n,
Fair Salem your arrival waits,
With golden streets and pearly gates.
5
Her blest inhabitants, no more,
Bondage and poverty deplore;
No debt but love immensely great,
Whose joy still rises with the debt.
6
O happy souls, who know the sound!
God's light shall all their steps surround;
And shew that jubilee begun,
Which through eternal years shall run.
Hymn CLXIII. Hallelujah Metre. The Triumph of Christ and the Power of his Gospel.
1
LOUD to the prince of heaven
Your cheerful voices raise;
To him your vows be given,
And fill his courts with praise.
With conscious worth, All clad in arms,
All bright in charms, He sallies forth.
[Page 175]
2Gird on thy conquering sword,
Ascend thy shining car;
And march, almighty Lord,
To wage thy holy war.
Before his wheels, In glad surprize
Ye vollies rise, And sink ye hills.
3
Fair truth and gentle love,
With righteousness and peace,
In thy retinue move,
Thy conquering power to grace.
Thou in their cause Shalt prosperous ride,
And far and wide, Dispense thy Laws.
4
Before thy mighty sword,
Millions of foes shall fall;
The captives of thy word,
That word which conquers all.
The world shall know, Great King of Kings,
What wond'rous things Thine arm can do.
5
Here to my willing soul
Bend thy triumphant way,
Here, every foe control
And all thy power display.
Beneath thy sword, Blest Jesus, see
I bow to thee, My Prince and Lord.
[Page 176]
Hymn CLXIV. Long Metre. Folly cured by Affliction.
1
LOW at thy gracious feet I bend,
My God, my everlasting friend,
Permit the claim, O let thine ear,
My humble suit indulgent hear.
2
Lord, thou hast bid me seek thy face,
And ask of thee, thy promis'd grace;
O may thy favour, bliss divine!
With fuller, clearer radiance shine.
3
But, O my heart, reflect with shame,
Can I prefer so bold a claim?
Conscious how often I have stray'd,
By empty vanities betray'd.
4
How oft, ungrateful to my God,
Have trifles call'd my thoughts abroad!
Till heavenly pity saw me roam,
And bade affliction bring me home.
5
And when the snares of earth were broke,
By kind affliction's needful stroke,
Have not I own'd with humble praise
That just and right are all his ways?
6
Yes, gracious God, before thy throne,
My vileness and thy love I own;
O let that love with beams divine,
Forgiving, healing, round me shine.
[Page 177]
7When e'er ungrateful to my God,
This heedless heart requires the rod,
Thy arm supporting, I implore,
The hand that chastens, can restore.
8
O may the kind conviction prove,
A [...] of thy paternal love;
Wean me from earth, from sin refine,
And make my heart entirely thine.
Hymn CLXV. Common Metre. The new Jerusalem.
1
LO, what a glorious sight appears
To our believing eyes!
The earth and seas are past away
And the old rolling skies!
2
From the third heav'n where God resides,
That holy, happy place,
The new Jerusalem comes down,
Adorn'd with shining grace.
3
Attending angels shout for joy
And the bright armies sing,
"Mortals, behold the sacred seat,
Of your descending King.
4
"The God of glory, down to men
Removes his blest abode;
[Page 178]Men are the objects of his love
And he their gracious God.
5
"His tender hand shall wipe the tears
From every weeping eye,
And pains and groans and griefs and fears
And death itself shall die."
6
How bright the vision! but how long
Shall this glad hour delay!
Fly swifter round, ye wings of time,
And bring the welcome day.
Hymn CLXVI. Common Metre. A living and a dead Faith.
1
MISTAKEN souls, that dream of heaven,
And make their empty boast,
Of inward joys and sins forgiven,
Whilst they are slaves to lust;
2
Vain are our fancies, airy flights,
If faith be cold and dead;
None but a living power unites
To Christ the living head.
3
'Tis faith that changes all the heart,
'Tis faith that works by love;
[Page 179]That bids all sinful joys depart,
And lifts the thoughts above.
4
'Tis faith that conquers earth and hell,
By a celestial power;
This is the grace that shall prevail,
In the decisive hour.
5
Faith must obey our father's will
As well as trust his grace;
A pardoning God is jealous still,
For his own holiness▪
6
When from the curse he [...]ets us free,
He makes our natures clean;
Nor would he send his Son to be
The minister of sin.
7
His spirit fills our hearts with love
And seals our peace with God▪
With cheerful steps our feet shall move
Along the heavenly road.
Hymn CLXVII. Long Metre. The Example of Christ.
1
MY dear redeemer, and my Lord,
I read my duty in thy word;
But in thy life thy law appears
Drawn out in living characters.
[Page 180]
2Such was thy piety and zeal
Thy deference to thy father's will;
Thy love and meekness, so divine,
I would transcribe and make them mine.
3
Cold mountains and the midnight air
Witness'd the fervour of thy prayer;
The desart thy temptations knew,
Thy conflict and thy victory too.
4
Be thou my pattern, make me bear
More of thy gracious image here;
Then God, the judge, shall own my name
Among the followers of the Lamb.
Hymn CLXVIII. Long Metre. Retirement and Meditation.
1
MY God, permit me not to be
A stranger to myself and thee;
Amidst ten thousand thoughts I rove,
Forgetful of my highest love.
2
Why should my passions mix with earth
And thus degrade my heavenly birth?
Why should I cleave to things below,
And let my God, my Saviour go?
3
Call me away from flesh and sense,
Thy sov'reign word can draw me thence,
[Page 181]I would obey the voice divine
And all inferior joys resign.
4
Be earth, with all her scenes, withdrawn,
Let noise and vanity be gone;
In secret silence of the mind
My heaven and there my God I find.
Hymn CLXIX. Common Metre. The Everlasting Covenant.
1
MY God, the Cov'nant of thy love
Abides forever sure;
And in its boundless grace I feel
My happiness secure.
2
What tho' my house be not with thee,
As nature could desire?
To higher joys than nature gives,
My nobler views aspire.
3
Since thou the everlasting God,
My Father art become;
Jesus, my guardian and my friend,
And heaven my final home;
4
I welcome all thy sov'reign will,
For all that will is love;
And when thy providence is dark,
I wait thy light above.
[Page 182]
5Thy cov'nant in my dying hour
Shall dwell upon my tongue;
And when I wake, shall still employ
My everlasting song.
Hymn CLXX. Common Metre. Gratitude the Spring of true Religion.
1
MY God, what silken cords are thine!
How soft and yet how strong!
Whilst power, and truth, and love combine
To draw our souls along.
2
When crush'd beneath the heavy yoke
Of satan and of sin;
Thy hand our iron bondage broke,
Our grateful hearts to win.
3
The guilt of twice ten thousand sins
Thy mercy takes away;
Thy promise, when the war begins,
Secures the crowning day.
4
Comfort thro' all this vale of tears
In rich profusion flows,
The glory of unnumber'd years
Eternity bestows.
5
Drawn by such cords we onward move
Till round thy throne we meet;
[Page 183]And captives in the chains of love
Fall at our conqu'ror's feet.
Hymn CLXXI. Long Metre. Imploring Divine Influences.
1
MY God, whene'er my longing heart
Its grateful tribute would impart;
In vain my tongue with feeble aim
Attempts the glories of thy name.
2
In vain, my boldest thoughts arise,
I sink to earth, and lose the skies;
Yet I may still thy grace implore,
And low in dust, thy name adore.
3
O let thy grace my heart inspire,
And raise each languid, weak desire;
Thy grace, which condescends to meet
The sinner prostrate at thy feet.
4
With humble fear let love unite,
And mix devotion with delight;
Then shall thy name be all my joy,
Thy praise my constant, blest employ.
5
Thy name inspires the harps above,
With harmony and praise and love;
That grace which tunes th' immortal strings
Looks kindly down on mortal things.
[Page 184]
O let thy grace guide every song,
And fill my heart and tune my tongue;
Then shall the strains harmonious flow,
And heavenly joy begin below.
Hymn CLXXII. Short Metre. God our Creator and Benefactor.
1
MY maker and my king!
To thee, my all I owe;
Thy sov'reign bounty is the spring
From whence my blessings flow.
2
Thou, ever good and kind!
A thousand reasons move,
A thousand obligations bind
My heart to grateful love.
3
The creature of thy hand,
On thee alone I live,
My God, [...] benefits demand,
More praise than I can give.
4
Lord what can I impart
When all is thine before?
Thy love demands a thankful heart,
The gift, alas, how poor!
5
Shall I withhold thy due?
And shall my passions rove?
[Page]Lord, form this wretched heart anew,
And fill it with thy love.
6
O let thy grace inspire
My soul with strength divine;
Let all my powers to thee aspire,
And all my days be thine.
Hymn CLXXIII. Common Metre. Repentance and Hope.
1
MY Saviour, when my thoughts recal▪
The wonders of thy grace,
Low at thy feet asham'd I fall
And hide my guilty face.
2
Shall love like thine be thus repaid?
Ah vile ungrateful heart!
By earth's unworthy cares betray'd
From Jesus to depart!
3
From Jesus, who alone can give
True pleasure, peace and rest:
When absent from my Lord, I live,
Unsatisfy'd, unblest.
4
But he, for his own mercy's sake
My wandering soul restores:
He bids the mourning heart partake:
The pardon it implores.
[Page 184]
O whilst I breathe to thee, my Lord,
The penitential sigh;
Confirm the kind the pardoning word
With pity in thine eye.
6
Then shall the mourner, at thy feet,
Rejoice to seek thy face,
And grateful own how kind, how sweet,
Is thy forgiving grace.
Hymn CLXXIV. Short Metre. Confession and Pardon.
1
MY sorrows like a flood,
Impatient of restraint,
Into thy bosom, O my God,
Pour out a long complaint.
2
How often have I stood,
A rebel to the skies!
Yet, O the patience of my God,
Thy thunder silent lies.
3
Now by a powerful glance,
My Saviour, from thy face,
This rebel heart no more withstands
But yields to sovereign grace.
I see the prince of life
Display his wounded veins;
[Page 187]I see the fountain opened wide,
To wash away my stains.
5
My God is reconcil'd,
My tears his pity move;
He calls me his adopted child,
The object of his love.
6
Now let me not receive
In vain this heavenly grace;
But let it be a fruitful seed
Producing holiness.
Hymn CLXXV. Common Metre. The Christian Race.
1
MY soul, awake, stretch every nerve,
And press with vigor on;
A heavenly race demands thy zeal,
And an immortal crown.
2
A cloud of witnesses around
Hold thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod.
And onward urge thy way.
3
'Tis God's all animating voice
Which calls thee from on high;
'Tis his own hand presents the prize
To thine aspiring eye.
[Page 188]
4That prize, with peerless glories bright,
Which shall new lustre boast,
When victors' wreaths and monarchs' gems▪
Shall blend in common dust.
5
My soul, with sacred ardor fir'd,
The glorious prize pursue;
And meet, with joy, the high command,
To bid this earth adieu.
Hymn CLXXVI. Short Metre. Prayer in Sickness.
1
MY Sov'reign, to thy throne,
With humble hope I press,
O bow thine ear to hear the groan
Of indigent distress.
2
Th' eternal priest appears
Before thee with his blood;
Thro' him I offer these my tears
And cast my care on God.
3
My life, bow'd down with pain,
Mourns its decaying bloom;
Lord, clothe these bones with flesh again,
And spare me from the tomb.
4
Without one murm'ring word
Thy chastening I receive;
[Page 189]But with submission ask, O Lord,
A merciful reprieve.
5
Distress'd and pain'd as now,
Thy aid I once implor'd;
Thy pity heard my earnest vow,
Thy power my health restor'd.
6
My supplicating voice,
Unwearied, I will raise;
Say to thy servant's soul, "rejoice,"
And fill my mouth with praise.
Hymn CLXXVII. Common Metre. Marriage.
1
MYSTERIOUS rite! by heaven ordain'd
This sacred truth to prove,
The bliss which mortals here enjoy
Must flow from virtuous love.
2
Though made by God's almighty hand
And in his image form'd;
Yet Adam knew no happiness
Till love his bosom warm'd.
3
Eden with all its beauteous groves
And fruits of richest taste,
To one for social bliss design'd
Was but a lonely waste.
[Page 190]
4But when his lovely bride appear'd
In native graces drest,
The latent spark burst into flame
And love inspir'd his breast.
5
What wise provision hast thou made,
Great parent of mankind,
That all thine offspring may enjoy
The bliss for them design'd!
6
Then will we join our hearts and hands
In bonds of virtuous love;
And whilst we live in peace below,
Prepare for bliss above.
Hymn CLXXVIII. Common Metre. Submission to Providence.
1
NAKED as from the earth we came
And rose to life at first,
We to the earth return again
And mingle with our dust.
2
The dear delights we here enjoy
And call our own, in vain,
Are but short favours borrow'd now,
To be repaid again.
3
'Tis God who lifts our comforts high
Or sinks them to the grave,
He gives, and blessed be his name,
He takes but what he gave.
[Page 191]
4Peace, all our angry passions then!
Let each impatient sigh
Be silent at his sov'reign will,
And every murmur die.
5
If smiling mercy crown our lives,
Its praises shall be spread;
And we'll adore the justice too
That strikes our comforts dead.
Hymn CLXXIX. Common Metre. Vain Prosperity, or Forgetfulness of God.
1
NO, I shall envy them no more,
Who grow profanely great;
Tho' they increase their golden store,
And shine in robes of state.
2
They taste of all the joys that grow
Upon this earthly clod;
In vain they search the creature thro'
Whilst they forget the God.
3
Shake off the tho'ts of dying too
And think your life, your own;
But death comes hastening on to you
To cut your glory down.
4
Yes, you must bow your stately head,
Away your spirit flies;
[Page 192]And no kind angel near your bed
To bear it to the skies.
5
Go now and boast of all your stores
And tell how bright you shine;
Your heaps of glittering dust are yours,
And my Redeemer's mine.
Hymn CLXXX. Common Metre. The Holiness and Happiness of Heaven.
1
NOR eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard,
Nor sense, nor reason known,
What joys the father hath prepar'd
For those that love the Son.
2
But the good spirit of the Lord
Reveals a heaven to come;
The beams of glory in his word
Allure and guide us home.
3
Pure are the joys above the sky,
And all the region peace;
No wanton lip, nor envious eye
Can see or taste the bliss.
4
Not the malicious or profane,
The covetous or proud,
Nor thieves nor slanderers shall obtain
The kingdom of our God.
[Page 193]
5Those holy gates forever bar
Pollution, sin and shame;
None shall receive admittance there
But followers of the lamb.
6
If we are wash'd in Jesus' blood
And pardon'd thro' his name;
If the good spirit of our God
Has sanctify'd our frame;
7
We ask a persevering power
To keep thy just commands;
We would defile our hearts no more,
No more pollute our hands.
Hymn CLXXXI. Long Metre. Christians, the Sons of God.
1
NOT all the nobles of the earth,
Who boast the honours of their birth,
Such real dignity can claim,
As those who bear the Christian name.
2
To them the privilege is given,
To be the sons and heirs of heaven;
Sons of the God, who reigns on high,
And heirs of joys beyond the sky.
[Page 194]
3On them, a happy, chosen race,
Their father pours his richest grace;
To them his counsels he imparts,
And writes his law within their hearts.
4
When thro' temptation they rebel,
His chastening rod he makes them feel;
Then with a father's tender heart,
He sooths the pain and heals the smart.
5
Their daily wants his hands supply,
Their steps he guards with watchful eye,
Leads them from earth to heaven above,
And crowns them with eternal love.
6
Have I the honour, Lord, to be
One of this numerous family?
On me thy gracious gift bestow
To call my God, my father too.
7
So may my conduct ever prove,
My filial piety and love;
Whilst all my brethren clearly trace,
Their father's image in my face.
Hymn CLXXXII. Long Metre. Divine Compassion to Sinners.
1
NOT to condemn the sons of men
Did Christ the son of God appear;
[Page 195]No weapons in his hands are seen,
No flaming sword nor thunder there.
2
Such was the pity of our God,
He lov'd the race of man so well;
He sent his son to bear our load
Of sins, and save our souls from hell.
3
Let sinners hear the Saviour's word,
Trust in his mighty name and live,
A thousand joys his lips afford,
His hands a thousand blessings give.
4
"Come all ye weary, fainting souls,
Ye heavy laden sinners come;
I'll give you rest from all your toils,
And lead you to my heavenly home.
5
"Ye shall find rest that learn of me,
I'm of a meek and lowly mind;
But passion rages like the sea,
And pride is restless as the wind.
6
"Bless'd is the man whose shoulders take
My yoke and bear it with delight;
My yoke is easy to his neck,
My grace shall make the burden light."
7
Jesus, we come at thy command,
With faith and hope and humble zeal,
Resign our spirits to thy hand,
To rule and guide us at thy will.
[Page 196]
Hymn CLXXXIII. Common Metre. Sinai and Sion.
1
NOT to the terrors of the Lord
The tempest, fire and smoke,
Not to the thunder of that word
Which God on Sinai spoke.
2
But we are come to Sion's hill
The city of our God;
Where milder words declare his will
And spread his love abroad.
3
Behold th' innumerable host
Of angels cloth'd in light!
Behold the spirits of the just
Whose faith is turn'd to sight!
4
Behold, the blest assembly there,
Whose names are writ in heaven!
And God, the judge of all, declares
Their vilest sins forgiven.
5
The saints on earth, and all the dead
But one communion make;
All join in Christ their living head
And of his grace partake.
[Page 197]
6In such society as this
My weary soul would rest;
The man that dwells, where Jesus is,
Must be forever blest.
Hymn CLXXXIV. Common Metre. On the Death of a Minister.
1
NOW let our drooping hearts revive,
And all our tears be dry;
Why should those eyes be drown'd in grief,
Which view a Saviour nigh?
2
What, tho' the gloomy tyrant death
Doth God's own house invade?
What, tho' the prophet and the priest
Be number'd with the dead?
3
Tho' earthly shepherds dwell in dust,
The aged and the young;
The watchful eye in darkness clos'd;
And mute th' instructive tongue:
4
Th' eternal shepherd still survives
New comfort to impart,
His hand still guides us, and his voice
Still animates our heart.
[Page 198]
5"Lo I am with you," saith the Lord,
"My church shall safe abide;
For I will ne'er forsake my own,
Whose souls in me confide."
6
Thro' every scene of life and death
This promise is our trust;
And this shall be our children's song
When we are laid in dust.
Hymn CLXXXV. Common Metre. The Intercession of Christ.
1
NOW let our humble faith behold
Our great high priest above,
And celebrate his constant care
And sympathetic love.
2
Exalted to his father's throne,
With matchless honours crown'd;
And Lord of all th' angelic host
Who wait, the throne around;
3
The names of all the saints he bears,
Engraven on his heart;
Nor shall the meanest saint complain
That he hath lost his part.
[Page 199]
4Those characters shall firm remain
Our everlasting trust;
When gems, and monuments and crowns
Are moulder'd into dust.
Hymn CLXXXVI. Common Metre. God's Love to his Church.
1
NOW shall my inward joys arise
And burst into a song:
Almighty love inspires my heart,
And pleasures tune my tongue.
2
God, on his thirsty Sion hill,
Some mercy-drops has thrown,
And solemn oaths have bound his love
To shower salvation down.
3
Why do we then indulge our fears,
Suspicions and complaints?
Is he a God? and shall his grace
Grow weary of his saints?
4
Can a kind mother e'er forget
The object of her care?
Among a thousand tender tho'ts,
Her suckling have no share?
5
"Yet (saith the Lord) should nature change
And mothers monsters prove,
[Page 200]Sion still dwells upon the heart
Of everlasting love.
6
"Deep on the palms of both my hands
I have engrav'd her name;
My hands shall raise her ruin'd walls,
And build her broken frame."
Hymn CLXXXVII. Long Metre. The Glory and Grace of Christ.
1
NOW to the Lord a noble song!
Awake my soul, awake my tongue;
Hosanna to th' eternal name,
And all his boundless love proclaim.
2
See where it shines in Jesus' face,
The brightest image of his grace;
God in the person of his son
Has all his noblest works outdone.
3
The spacious earth and spreading flood,
Proclaim the wise, the powerful God;
And thy rich glories from afar
Sparkle in every rolling star.
4
But in thy Son a glory shines,
Drawn out in far superior lines
[Page 201]The lustre of redeeming grace
Outshines the beams of nature's face.
5
Grace! tis a pure celestial theme,
Our tho'ts rejoice at Jesus' name!
Ye angels dwell upon the sound;
Ye heavens reflect it to the ground.
6
O may we reach that glorious place
Where we shall see him face to face;
Where all his saints from death restor'd,
Shall be forever with the Lord.
Hymn CLXXXVIII. Long Metre. Glory to Christ our Priest and King.
1
NOW to the Lord who makes us know
The wonders of his dying love,
Be humble honours paid below,
And strains of nobler praise above.
2
'Twas he who cleans'd us from our sins,
And wash'd us in his precious blood;
'Tis he that makes us priests and kings,
And brings us rebels near to God.
3
To Jesus, our atoning priest,
To Jesus, our eternal king,
[Page 202]Be universal power confess'd,
And every tongue his glory sing.
4
Behold, on flying clouds he comes!
And every eye shall see him move!
Tho' with our sins we pierc'd him once
Then he displays his pardoning love.
5
The unbelieving world shall wail,
Whilst we rejoice to see the day;
Come, Lord, nor let thy promise fail,
Nor let thy chariot long delay.
Hymn CLXXXIX. Long Metre. Salvation by Grace.
1
NOW to the power of God supreme
Be everlasting honours given,
He saves from sin, we bless his name,
And calls our wandering feet to heav'n.
2
Not for our duties or deserts,
But of his own abundant grace,
He works salvation in our hearts,
And forms a people for his praise.
3
'Twas his own purpose that begun
To rescue sinners doom'd to die;
He gave us grace in Christ his son,
Before he spread the starry sky.
[Page 203]
4Jesus, the Lord, appears at last,
And makes his father's counsels known;
Declares the great transactions past,
And brings immortal blessings down.
5
He dies, and in that dreadful night
Did all the powers of hell destroy;
Rising, he bro't our heaven to light,
And took possession of the joy.
Hymn CXC. Common Metre. Divine Goodness in Afflictions.
1
NOW to thy heav'nly father's praise
My heart, thy tribute bring;
That goodness which prolongs my days
With grateful pleasure sing.
2
Whene'er he sends afflicting pains
His mercy holds the rod;
His powerful word, the heart sustains,
And speaks a faithful God.
3
A faithful God is ever nigh,
When humble grief implores;
His ear attends each plaintive sigh,
He pities and restores.
4
My grateful soul would humbly bring
Her tribute to thy throne;
[Page 204]Accept the wish, my God, my King,
To make thy goodness known.
5
O be the life thy hand restores
Devoted to thy praise!
To thee, I consecrate my powers,
To thee, my future days.
6
Thy soul enlivening grace impart,
A warmer love inspire;
And be the breathings of my heart
Dependance and desire.
Hymn CXCI. Common Metre. Winter.
1
NOW winter throws his icy chains
Encircling nature round:
How bleak, how comfortless the plains,
With verdure lately crown'd!
2
The sun withdraws his vital beams
And light and warmth depart;
And drooping, lifeless nature seems
An emblem of my heart.
3
My heart, where mental winter reigns,
In night's dark mantle clad,
Confin'd in cold inactive chains
How desolate and sad!
[Page 205]
4E'er long the sun with genial ray
Shall cheer the mourning earth;
And blooming flowers and verdure gay
Renew their annual birth.
5
So, if my soul's bright sun impart
His all-enliv'ning smile,
The vital ray shall cheer my heart,
Till then, a frozen soil.
6
Then faith, and hope, and love, shall rise
Renew'd to lively bloom,
And breathe accepted to the skies
Their humble, sweet perfume.
7
Great source of light, thy beams display,
My drooping joys restore,
And guide me to the seats of day
Where winter frowns no more.
Hymn CXCII. Common Metre. Charity.
1
O CHARITY, thou heavenly grace,
All tender, soft and kind!
A friend to all the human race,
To all that's good inclin'd!
2
The man of charity extends
To all, his liberal hand;
[Page 206]His kindred, neighbours, foes and friends
His pity may command.
3
He aids the poor in their distress,
He hears when they complain,
With tender heart delights to bless,
And lessen all their pain.
4
The sick, the pris'ner, poor and blind,
And all the sons of grief,
In him a benefactor find,
He loves to give relief.
5
'Tis love that makes religion sweet,
'Tis love that makes us rise,
With willing mind and ardent feet,
To yonder happy skies.
6
Then let us all in love abound,
And charity pursue,
Thus shall we be with glory crown'd,
And love as angels do.
Hymn CXCIII. Long Metre. Longing for Heaven.
1
O COULD I soar to worlds above,
That blessed state of peace and love!
How gladly would I mount and fly
On angels' wings to joys on high!
[Page 207]
2But ah, still longer must I stay,
Ere darksome night is chang'd to day;
More crosses, sorrows, conflicts bear,
Expos'd to trials, pains and care.
3
Well, let these troubles still abound,
Let thorns and briars fill the ground;
Let storms and tempests dreadful come
Till I arrive at heaven my home.
4
My father knows what road is best
And how to lead to peace and rest;
To him I cheerful give my all,
Go where he leads and wait his call.
5
When he commands my soul away
Not kingdoms then shall tempt my stay;
With rapture I shall wake and rise
To join my friends above the skies.
Hymn CXCIV. Common Metre. The universal Extent of Christ's Kingdom.
1
O'ER mountain tops, the mount of God,
In latter days shall rise;
Above the summits of the hills,
And draw the wond'ring eyes.
2
To this the joyful nations round,
All tribes and tongues shall flow;
[Page 208]Up to the mount of God they say,
And to his house, we'll go.
3
The beams that shine from Zion's hill
Shall lighten every land;
The king, who reigns in Salem's towr's,
Shall the whole world command.
4
Among the nations he shall judge,
His judgments, truth shall guide;
His sceptre shall protect the just,
And crush the sinner's pride.
5
No war shall rage, nor hostile strife,
Disturb those h [...]ppy years;
To plough-shares men shall beat their swords,
To pruning-hocks their spears.
6
No longer, hosts encountering hosts,
Shall croads of slain deplore;
They'll lay the martial trumpet by
And study war no more.
Hymn CXCV. Common Metre. Obedience to God our Father.
1
O GOD, my Father, I adore
That all-commanding name;
It will my soul to life restore,
And kindle all my flame.
[Page 209]
2Entire, I bow at thy commands,
My filial homage pay;
With heart and life, with tongue and hands,
I'll cheerfully obey.
3
I'll willfully no more transgress
As I too oft have done;
But ev'ry sinful tho't suppress,
Each sinful action shun.
4
Each day I live, I'll seek with care,
My Father, well to please,
And in this course will persevere
By thine assisting grace.
5
Thus will I my relation claim,
And call myself thy son,
And whilst I bear the glorious name,
My father's rights will own.
6
I will; but thou must strength impart
This promise to fulfil;
Lord, write thy law upon my heart
That I may do thy will.
Hymn CXCVI. Long Metre. Brotherly Love.
1
O GOD, our father and our King,
Of all we have, or hope, the spring;
[Page 210]Send down thy spirit from above,
And fill our hearts with holy love.
2
May we from every act abstain,
That hurts, or gives our neighbour pain,
And every secret wish suppress,
That would abridge his happiness.
3
Still may we feel our hearts inclin'd,
To act the friend to all mankind;
Still seek their safety, health and ease,
Their virtue and eternal peace.
4
With pity may our breast o'erflow,
When we behold a wretch in woe;
And bear a sympathising part
With all who are of heavy heart.
5
Let love in all our conduct shine,
An image fair, tho' faint of thine;
Thus may we his disciples prove
Who came to manifest thy love.
Hymn CXCVII. Common Metre. TE DEUM. A general Hymn of Praise.
1
O GOD, we praise thee and confess
That thou the only Lord,
[Page 211]And everlasting father art,
By all the earth ador'd.
2
To thee all angels cry aloud,
To thee the powers on high,
Both Cherubim and Seraphim,
Continually do cry.
3
O holy, holy, holy Lord,
Whom heavenly hosts obey,
The world is with the glory fill'd
Of thy majestic sway.
4
Th' apostles glorious company,
And prophets crown'd with light,
With all the martyrs noble host,
Thy constant praise recite.
5
The holy Church throughout the world
O Lord, confesses thee,
That thou, eternal father art,
Of boundless majesty.
6
Thy honour'd true and only Son,
And Holy Ghost, the spring
Of never ceasing joy; O Christ,
Of glory thou art King.
[Page 212]
Hymn CXCVIII. Long Metre. The Glory and Safety of the Church.
1
O HAPPY Church, celestial bride,
Thy husband will with thee reside,
With matchless glory thou shalt shine
In robes of honour all divine.
2
Silver and gold her happy dress,
Truth, meekness, love and righteousness;
Holy without and pure within,
Free from the guilt of reigning sin.
3
Her laws and doctrines just and right,
Her priests, the ministers of light;
Her order from the courts above,
And all her service done in love.
4
Her discipline is from the word,
Her head and ruler is the Lord;
Her sons and daughters all agree
And live in peace and charity.
5
Her journey is the holy way
Which leads to everlasting day,
And her eternal sure reward
A crown of glory with the Lord.
[Page 213]
Hymn CXCIX. Common Metre. The Ways of Wisdom.
1
O HAPPY is the man who hears
Instruction's faithful voice;
And who, celestial wisdom makes,
His early, only choice.
2
Her treasures are of more esteem
Than east or west unfold;
And her rewards more precious are
Than all their mines of gold.
3
In her right hand she holds to view
A length of happy days;
Riches, with splendid honours join'd,
Her left hand full displays.
4
She guides the young with innocence
In pleasure's paths to tread;
A crown of glory she bestows
Upon the hoary head.
5
According as her labours rise
So her rewards increase;
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
[Page 214]
Hymn CC. Common Metre. Filial Submission.
1
O LORD, my best desires fulfil,
And help me to resign
Life, health and comfort to thy will,
And make thy pleasure mine.
2
Why should I shrink at thy command
Whose love forbids my fears?
Or tremble at the gracious hand
That wipes away my tears!
3
No, let me rather freely yield
What most I prize to thee;
Who never hast a gift withheld,
Nor wilt withhold, from me.
4
I would submit to all thy will
For thou art good and wise;
Let every anxious thought be still
Nor one faint murmur rise.
5
Thy love can cheer the darkest gloom
And bid me wait serene;
Till hopes and joys immortal bloom
And brighten all the scene.
[Page 215]
6My father! O permit my heart,
To plead her humble claim,
And ask the bliss those words impart,
In my Redeemer's name.
Hymn CCI. Common Metre. A Morning or Evening Hymn.
1
ON thee each morning, O my God,
My waking thoughts attend;
In whom are founded all my hopes,
In whom my wishes end.
2
My soul, in pleasing wonder lost,
Thy boundless love surveys,
And fir'd with grateful zeal prepares
Her sacrifice of praise.
3
When evening slumbers press my eyes,
With thy protection blest,
In peace and safety I commit
My weary limbs to rest.
4
My spirit in thy hands secure
Fears no approaching ill;
For whether waking or asleep
Thou, Lord, art with me still.
[Page 216]
5Then will I daily to the world
Thy wondrous acts proclaim;
Whilst all with me shall praises sing
And bless thy sacred name.
6
At morn, at noon, at night I'll still
The growing work pursue;
And thee alone wilt praise, to whom
Eternal praise is due.
Hymn CCII. Common Metre. Resignation, or Good out of Evil.
1
O RESIGNATION, heavenly power,
Our warmest thoughts engage;
Thou art the safest guide of youth,
The sole support of age.
2
Teach us the hand of love divine
In evils to discern;
'Tis the first lesson which we need
The latest which we learn.
Is resignation's lesson hard?
On trial we shall find,
It makes us give up nothing more
Than anguish of the mind.
[Page 217]
4Resign, and all the pain of life
That moment we remove;
The heavy load of grief and care
Devolves on ONE above.
5
He bids us lay our burthen down
On his almighty hand;
Supports our feeble frame, and makes
Our weary feet to stand.
6
What though we're swallow'd in the deep,
And billows round us roar?
Like Jonah thou wilt safely keep,
And guide us to the shore.
7
Thy will is welcome, let it wear
Its most tremendous form;
Though tempests rise, we know that thou
Canst save us by the storm.
Hymn CCIII. Common Metre. Desire of Communion with God.
1
O THAT I knew the secret place
Where I might find my God!
I'd spread my wants before his face
And pour my woes abroad.
[Page 218]
2I'd tell him how my sins arise,
What sorrows I sustain;
How strength decays and comfort dies
And leaves my heart in pain.
3
He knows what arguments I'd take
To wrestle with my God;
I'd plead for his own mercy's sake,
And plead my Saviour's blood.
4
My God will pity my complaints,
And heal my broken bones;
He knows the meaning of his saints,
The language of their groans▪
5
Arise, my soul, from deep distress,
And banish every fear;
He calls me to his throne of grace,
To spread my sorrows there.
Hymn CCIV. Long Metre. On the Dangerous Sickness of a Minister.
1
O THOU, before whose gracious throne
We bow our suppliant spirits down;
Thou know'st the anxious cares we feel,
And all our trembling lips would tell.
[Page 219]
2Thou only canst assuage our grief,
And give our sorrowing hearts relief.
In mercy then, thy servant spare,
Nor turn aside thy people's prayer.
3
Avert thy desolating stroke,
Nor smite the shepherd of the flock;
Restore him, sinking to the grave,
Stretch out thine arm, make haste to save.
4
Bound to each soul by tender ties,
In every heart his image lies;
Thy pitying aid, O God, impart,
Nor rend him from each bleeding heart.
5
But if our supplications fail,
And prayers and tears cannot prevail!
Be thou his strength, be thou his stay,
Support him thro' the gloomy way.
6
Around him may thy angels stand,
Waiting the signal of thy hand;
To bid his happy spirit rise
And bear him to their native skies.
Hymn CCV. Common Metre.
The Christian's Resolution, founded on Jacob's Vow. Gen. xxviii.20.
1
O THOU, by whose all-bounteous hand,
Thy people still are fed;
[Page 220]Who thro' life's weary pilgrimage,
Hast all our fathers led.
2
To thee, our humble vow we raise,
To thee, address our prayer;
And in thy kind, and faithful hand,
Deposit all our care.
3
If thou, thro' each perplexing path,
Wilt be our constant guide;
If thou wilt daily food supply,
And raiment wilt provide;
4
If thou wilt spread thy shield around,
Till all our wand'rings cease;
And at our father's safe abode
Our souls arrive in peace;
5
To thee, as to our cov'nant God,
Ourselves we will re [...];
And count that all on earth we have,
And e'en our life is thine.
Hymn CCVI. Common Metre. The Contrite Heart.
1
O THOU, whose tender mercy hears
Contrition's humble sigh,
Whose hand, indulgent, wipes the tears
From sorrow's weeping eye.
[Page 221]
2See! low before thy throne of grace,
A wretched wanderer mourn,
Hast thou not bid me seek thy face?
Hast thou not said, return?
3
And shall my guilty fears prevail,
To drive me from thy feet?
O let not this dear refuge fail,
This only safe retreat.
4
Absent from thee, my guide, my light.
Without one cheering ray,
Thro' dangers, fears and gloomy night,
How desolate my way!
5
O shine on this benighted heart,
With beams of mercy shine;
And let thy healing voice impart
A taste of joys divine.
6
Thy presence only can bestow,
Delights which never cloy;
Be this my comfort here below,
And my eternal joy.
Hymn CCVII. Long Metre. The Importance of Time.
1
O TIME, how few thy value weigh,
How few will estimate a day!
[Page 222]Days, months and years are rolling on,
The soul neglected and undone.
2
In painful cares or empty joys
Our life its precious hours destroys;
Whilst death stands watching at our side,
Eager to stop the living tide.
3
Was it for this, ye mortal race,
Your maker gave you here a place?
Was it for this, his thought design'd
The frame of your immortal mind?
4
For nobler cares, for joys sublime,
He fashioned all the sons of time;
Pilgrims on earth, but soon to be
The heirs of immortality.
5
This season of your being, know,
Is given to you, your seeds to sow;
Wisdom and folly's differing grain
In future worlds is bliss and pain.
6
Then let me every day review,
Idle or busy search it through;
And whilst probation's minutes last,
Let every day amend the past.
[Page 223]
Hymn CCVIII. Common Metre. Prudence.
1
O 'TIS a lovely thing to see,
A man of prudent heart!
Whose thoughts and lips and life agree
To act a useful part.
2
When envy, strife and wars begin
In little angry souls;
Mark how the sons of peace come in,
And quench the kindling coals.
3
Their minds are humble, mild and meek,
Nor does their anger rise;
Nor passion moves their lips to speak,
Nor pride exalts their eyes.
4
Their lives are prudence mix'd with love,
Good works employ their day;
They join the serpent with the dove,
But cast the sting away.
5
Such was the saviour of mankind,
Such pleasures he pursu'd;
His manners gentle and refin'd,
His soul divinely good.
[Page 224]
Hymn CCIX. Long Metre.
Importunate Prayer. "Ask and ye shall receive." Matt. vii, 7. &c.
1
OUR father, thron'd above the sky,
To thee, our empty hands we spread.
Thy children, at thy footstool lie,
And ask thy blessings on their head.
2
Let mercy all our sins dispel,
As clouds before the solar beam,
Our souls from bondage and from hell
To liberty and life redeem.
3
With cheerful hope and filial fear,
In that august and precious name,
By thee ordain'd, we now draw near,
And would the promis'd blessing claim.
4
Does not an earthly parent hear
The cravings of his famish'd son?
Will he reject the filial prayer,
Or mock him with a cake of stone?
5
Our heavenly father, how much more
Will thy divine compassions rise;
And open thy unbounded store
To satisfy thy children's cries?
6
Yes we will ask, and seek and press
For gracious audience to thy seat,
[Page 225]Still hoping, waiting for success,
If persevering to intreat.
7
For Jesus in his faithful word
The patient supplicant has bless'd,
And all thy saints with one accord
The prevalence of prayer attest.
Hymn CCX. Short Metre. Communion with God and Christ.
1
OUR heavenly Father calls,
And Christ invites us near;
With both, our friendship shall be sweet
And our communion dear.
2
God pities all my griefs,
He pardons every day;
Almighty to protect my soul,
And wise to guide my way.
3
How large his bounties are!
What various stores of good,
Diffus'd from my redeemer's hand,
And purchas'd with his blood!
4
Jesus, my living head,
I bless thy faithful care,
My advocate, before the throne,
And my fore-runner there.
[Page 226]
5Here fix, my roving heart,
Here wait, my warmest love;
Till the communion be complete,
In nobler scenes above.
Hymn CCXI. Hallelujah Metre. Christ seen of Angels.
1
O YE immortal throng,
Of angels round the throne,
Join with our feeble song,
And make the Saviour known;
On earth ye knew, His wondrous grace;
His radiant face, In heaven ye view.
2
Ye saw the heav'n-born child,
In human flesh array'd;
How innocent and mild,
When in the manger laid!
And praise to God, And peace on earth,
For such a birth, Proclaim'd aloud.
3
Ye in the wilderness,
Beheld the tempter spoil'd,
Well known in every dress,
In every combat foil'd;
Ye join'd to crown, The victor's head,
When Satan fled, Before his frown.
[Page 227]
4Ye kept a silent guard,
Around his sleeping head;
Till the bright morn appear'd,
Which wak'd him from the dead.
Then roll'd the stone, And all ador'd,
Your rising Lord, With joy unknown.
5
When all array'd in light,
The shining conqueror rode;
Ye hail'd his rapt'rous flight,
Up to the throne of God.
And wav'd around, Your ardent wings,
And tun'd your strings, Of noblest sound.
6
The warbling notes pursue,
And louder anthems raise;
Whilst mortals sound with you,
Their own redeemer's praise.
And thou, my soul, With equal flame,
His praise proclaim, Whilst ages roll.
Hymn CCXII. Long Metre. Patience.
1
PATIENCE, O what a grace divine,
Sent from the God of peace and love;
That leans upon its father's hand,
As thro' the wilds of life we rove.
[Page 288]
2By patience we serenely bear
The troubles of our mortal state;
And wait contented our discharge
Nor think our glory comes too late.
3
Tho' we in full sensation feel,
The weight, the wounds our God ordains;
We smile amidst our heaviest woes
And triumph in our sharpest pains.
4
O for this grace to aid us on,
And arm with fortitude the breast;
Till life's tumultuous voyage is o'er
We reach the port, of endless rest.
5
Faith into vision shall be brought,
Hope shall in full enjoyment die;
And patience in possession end
In the bright world of bliss on high.
Hymn CCXIII. Common Metre. The Peace and Consolation of a Christian.
1
PEACE, all ye sorrows of the heart,
And every tear be dry,
The christian ne'er can be forlorn
Who views his Saviour nigh.
[Page 229]
2"Let not your sorrows rise," he says,
"Nor be your souls afraid:
Trust in your God's almighty name,
And trust your Saviour's aid.
3
"Fair mans [...]ons in my father's house
For all his children wait;
And I your elder brother go
To open wide the gate.
4
"And if I thither go before,
A dwelling to prepare;
I surely will return again
That I may fix you there.
5
"United in eternal love,
My people shall remain,
And with rejoicing heart shall share
The glories of my reign."
6
Thy gracious words, O Lord, we hear,
And cordial joys they bring;
Frail nature may extort a groan,
But Death has lost its sting.
Hymn CCXIV. Common Metre. Submission to afflictive Providence.
1
PEACE, my complaining, doubting hear [...] ▪
Ye busy cares be still;
[Page 230]Adore the just, the sovereign Lord,
Nor murmur at his will.
2
Unerring wisdom guides his hand;
Nor dares my guilty fear
Amidst the sharpest pains I feel,
Pronounce his hand severe.
3
To soften every painful stroke
Indulgent mercy bends;
And unrepining when I plead,
His gracious ear attends.
4
Let me reflect with humble awe
Whene'er my heart complains▪
Compar'd with what my sins deserve
How easy are my pains!
5
Great sov'reign Lord I own thy hand,
Thou just and wise and kind;
Be every anxious tho't suppress'd,
And all my soul resign'd.
6
From evil, thou wilt good produce
And light from darkness raise;
Thus thou wilt change my grief to joy,
And turn my tears to praise.
Hymn CCXV. Common Metre. The Trials of Virtue.
1
PLAC'D on the verge of youth, my mind
Life's opening scene survey'd;
[Page 231]I view'd its ills of various kinds
Afflicted and afraid.
2
But chief my fear the dangers mov'd
That virtue's path inclose;
My heart the wise pursuit approv'd,
But oh, what toils oppose!
3
For see, while yet her unknown ways
With doubtful step I tread!
A hostile world its terrors raise,
Its snares delusive spread.
4
O how shall I with heart prepar'd
Those terrors learn to meet?
How from the thousand snares to guard
My inexperienc'd feet?
5
Let faith suppress each rising fear,
Each anxious doubt exclude;
My maker's will has plac'd me here,
A maker wise and good.
6
He to my ev'ry trial knows
Its just restraint to give;
Attentive to behold my woes,
And faithful to relieve.
7
Then why thus heavy, O my soul?
Say, why distrustful still,
Thy tho'ts with vain impatience roll
O'er scenes of future ill?
[Page 232]
8Tho' griefs unnumber'd throng thee round
Still in thy God confide;
Whose finger marks the seas their bound,
And curbs the rolling [...]ide.
Hymn CCXVI. Sevens Metre. Praise in Prosperity and Adversity.
1
PRAISE to God, immortal praise,
For the love that crowns our days,
Bounteous source of every joy,
Let thy praise our songs employ.
2
For the blessings of the field,
For the stores the gardens yield,
For the vine's exalted juice,
For the generous olive's use.
3
Flocks that whiten all the plain,
Yellow sheaves of ripen'd grain,
Clouds that drop their fattening dews,
Suns that temperate warmth diffuse;
4
All that s [...]ng with bounteous hand
Scatters o'er the smiling land:
All that liberal autumn pours
From her rich o'erflowing stores.
5
These to thee our God, we owe,
Source, whence all our blessings flow,
And for these our souls shall raise
Grateful vows and solemn praise.
[Page 233]
6Yet should rising whirlwinds tear
From its stem, the opening ear;
Should the fig-tree's blasted shoot
Drop its green untimely fruit;
7
Should the vine put forth no more
Nor the olive yield her store;
Tho' the sickening flocks should fall
And the herds desert the stall;
8
Yet to thee our souls shall raise
Grateful vows and solemn praise;
And when every blessing's flown
Love thee for thyself alone.
Hymn CCXVII. Long Metre. The Old and New Creation.
1
PRAISE to the Lord of boundless might
W [...] uncreated glories bright;
His presence fills the world above
Th' eternal source of light and love.
2
This rising earth his eye beheld,
When in substantial darkness veil'd;
The shapeless chaos, nature's womb,
Lay buried in eternal gloom.
3
"Let there be light," Jehovah said,
And light o'er all its face was spread;
[Page 234]The world array'd in charms unknown
With all its new-born lustre shone.
4
He sees the mind, obscur'd within
The shades of ignorance and sin;
And darts from heav'n a vital ray
That changes darkness into day.
5
Shine, mighty God, with vigour shine
On this benighted heart of mine;
And let thy glories stand reveal'd
As in the Saviour's face beheld.
6
My soul, reviv'd by heav'n-born day,
Thy radiant image shall display,
Whilst all my faculties unite
To praise the Lord who gives me light.
Hymn CCXVIII. Short Metre. The Grace of God in Christ.
1
RAISE your triumphant songs
To an immortal tune;
Let the wide earth resound the deeds
Celestial grace hath done.
2
Sing how eternal love
Its chief beloved chose,
And bade him raise our sinful race
From their abyss of woes.
[Page 235]
3His hand no thunder bears,
Nor terror clothes his brow;
No bolts to drive our guilty souls
To fiercer flames below.
4
But mercy fill'd the throne
Of the eternal sky,
When Christ was sent with pardon down
To rebels doom'd to die.
5
Now, sinners, dry your tears,
Let hopeless sorrow cease;
Bow to the sceptre of his love
And take the offer'd peace.
6
Lord we obey thy call,
We lay an humble claim,
To the salvation thou hast wrought,
And love and praise thy name.
Hymn CCXIX. Common Metre. For a New Year.
1
REMARK, my soul, the narrow bounds
Of the revolving year;
How swift the weeks complete their round!
How short the months appear!
2
So fast, eternity comes on,
And that important day;
[Page 236]When all that mortal life hath done
God's judgment shall survey.
3
Yet like an idle tale we pass,
The swift advancing year;
And study artful ways t'increase
The speed of its career.
4
Waken, O God, my careless heart,
Its great concern to see;
That I may act the christian part,
And give the year to thee.
5
So shall their course more grateful roll,
If future years arise;
Or this shall bear my waiting soul,
To joy beyond the skies.
Hymn CCXX. Common Metre. Salvation.
1
SALVATION! O melodious sound
To wretched dying men!
Salvation, that from God proceeds
And leads to God again!
2
Resou'd from hell's eternal gloom,
From darkness, fire and chains;
Rais'd to a paradise of bliss
Where love with glory reigns!
[Page 237]
3But O, may a degenerate soul,
Sinful and weak as mine,
Presume to raise a trembling eye,
To blessings so divine?
4
The lustre of so bright a scene
My feeble heart o'erbears;
And unbelief almost perverts
The promise into tears.
5
My Saviour God, no voice but thine,
These dying hopes can raise;
Speak thy salvation to my soul,
And turn my tears to praise.
6
My Saviour God, this broken voice,
Transported shall proclaim;
And call on all th' angelic harps,
To sound thy glorious name.
Hymn CCXXI. Common Metre. Christ's Regard to little Children.
1
SEE, Israel's gentle shepherd stand,
With all engaging charms!
Hark, how he calls the tender lambs,
And takes them in his arms!
2
"Permit them to approach, (he cries,)
Nor scorn their humble name;
[Page 238]It was to bless such souls as these
The Lord of angels came."
3
We bring them, Lord, with grateful hearts,
And yield them up to thee;
Rejoic'd that we ourselves are thine.
Thine, let our offspring be.
4
Ye little flock, with pleasure hear;
Ye children, seek his face;
And fly with transport to receive
The blessings of his grace.
5
If Orphans they are left behind,
Thy guardian care we trust;
That tho't shall heal our bleeding hearts
When weeping o'er their dust.
Hymn CCXXII. Short Metre. Christ the Wisdom of God.
1
SHALL wisdom cry aloud,
And not her speech be heard?
The voice of God's eternal word,
Deserves it no regard?
2
I was his chief delight
His everlasting Son,
Before the first of all his works
Creation was begun.
[Page 239]
3Before the flying clouds,
Before the solid land;
Before the fields, before the floods,
I dwelt at his right hand.
4
When he adorn'd the skies,
And built them, I was there,
To order when the sun should rise,
And marshall every star.
5
When he pour'd out the sea,
And spread the flowing [...]leep;
I gave the flood a firm decree
In its own bounds to keep.
6
Upon the empty air,
The earth was balanc'd well;
With joy I saw the mansion where
The sons of men should dwell.
7
My busy tho'ts at first
On their salvation ran;
Ere sin appear'd, or Adam's dust,
Was fashion'd to a man.
8
Then come, receive my grace,
Ye children, and be wise;
Happy the man that keeps my ways,
The man that shuns them dies.
[Page 240]
Hymn CCXXIII. Common Metre. The Nativity of Christ.
1
"SHEPHERDS, rejoice, lift up your eyes,
And send your fears away;
News from the region of the skies,
Salvation's born to day.
2
"The Son of God, whom angels fear,
Comes down to dwell with you,
To day he makes his entrance here,
But not as monarchs do.
3
"No gold nor purple swaddling bands,
Nor royal shining things;
A manger for his cradle stands,
And holds the King of Kings.
4
"Go, shepherds, where the infant lies
And see his humble throne;
With tears of joy in all your eyes,
Go, shepherds, kiss the SON."
5
Thus Gabriel sang, and strait around
The heavenly armies throng,
They tune their harps to lofty sound,
And thus conclude the song.
6
"Glory to God, who reigns above,
Let peace surround the earth;
Mortals shall know their maker's love,
At their Redeemer's birth."
[Page 241]
7Lord, shall the angels have their songs,
And men no tunes to raise?
O may we lose these useless tongues,
When they forget to praise.
8
Glory to God who reigns above,
Who pitied us forlorn;
We join to sing our maker's love,
For there's a Saviour born.
Hymn CCXXIV. Long Metre.
Faith in God in a Time of Distress.— Habakuk, iii.17, 18.
1
SHOULD famine o'er the mourning field,
Extend her desolating reign;
Nor spring her blooming beauties yield,
Nor autumn swell the ripening grain.
2
Should lowing heards and bleating sheep
Around their famish'd master die;
And hope itself expiring weep,
Whilst life deplores its last supply.
3
Amidst the dark, the deathful scene,
If I can say, the Lord is mine;
The joy shall triumph o'er the pain,
And glory dawn, tho' life decline.
4
The God of my salvation lives,
My nobler life he will sustain;
[Page 242]His word immortal vigour gives,
Nor shall my hope or trust be vain.
5
Thy presence, Lord, can cheer my heart;
Tho' every earthly comfort die;
Thy love can bid my pain depart,
And raise my sacred pleasures high.
6
O let me hear thy blissful voice,
Inspiring life and joys divine,
The barren desart shall rejoice,
'Tis paradise if thou be mine.
Hymn CCXXV. Common Metre.
Christ the Supreme Beauty.— Isaiah, xxxiii 17.
1
SHOULD nature's charms to please the eye,
In sweet assemblage join,
All nature's charms would droop and die,
Jesus, compar'd with thine.
2
Vain were her fairest beams display'd,
And vain her blooming store;
Her brightness languishes to shade,
Her beauty is no more.
3
But ah, how far from mortal sight,
The Lord of glory dwells!
A veil of interposing night,
His radiant face conceals.
[Page 243]
4O could my longing spirit rise
On strong immortal wing;
And reach thy palace in the skies,
My Saviour and my King!
5
There thousands worship at thy feet,
And there, (divine employ!)
The triumphs of thy love repeat,
In songs of endless joy.
6
Thy presence beams eternal day
O'er all the blissful place;
Who would not drop this load of clay,
And die to see thy face?
Hymn CCXXVI. Long Metre. Faith in God's Names.
1
SING to the Lord, who loud proclaims,
His various and his saving names;
O may they not be heard alone,
But by our sure experience known.
2
The great Jehovah be ador'd,
Th' eternal, all sufficient Lord;
He thro' the world most high confess'd,
By whom 'twas form'd and is possess'd.
3
Awake, our noblest powers to bless,
The God of Abr'ham, God of peace;
[Page 244]Now by a dearer title known,
Father and God of Christ his son.
4
Thro' every age, his gracious ear
Is open to his servants' prayer;
Nor can one humble soul complain
That he hath sought his God in vain.
5
What unbelieving heart shall dare
In whispers to suggest a fear?
While still he owns his ancient name,
The same his power, his love the same,
6
To thee, our souls in faith arise,
To thee we lift expecting eyes;
And boldly thro' the desart tread,
For God will guard, where God shall lead.
Hymn CCXXVII. Common Metre. The Brazen Serpent.
1
SO did the Hebrew prophet raise
The brazen serpent high;
The wounded felt immediate ease,
The sick forbore to die.
2
"Look upward in th' expiring hour
And live," the prophet cries,
But Christ performs a nobler cure,
When faith lifts up her eyes.
[Page 245]
3High on the cross, the Saviour hung,
High in the heavens he reigns;
Here sinners by the serpent stung
Look and forget their pains.
4
When God's own son is lifted up,
A dying world revives;
The Jew beholds the blessed hope,
Th' expiring Gentile lives.
Hymn CCXXVIII. Long Metre. On the Death of a Child.
1
SO fades the lovely blooming flower,
Frail, smiling solace of an hour!
So soon our transient comforts fly,
And pleasure only blooms to die!
2
To certain trouble we are born,
Hope to rejoice, but sure to mourn;
Ah wretched effort! sad relief!
To plead necessity of grief!
3
Is there no kind, no lenient art
To heal the anguish of the heart?
To ease the heavy load of care
Which nature must, but dreads to bear?
4
Can reason's dictates be obey'd?
Too weak, alas, her strongest aid!
[Page 246]O let religion then be nigh,
Her consolations never die.
5
Her powerful aid supports the soul,
And nature owns her kind control;
Whilst she unfolds the sacred page,
Our fiercest griefs resign their rage.
6
Then gentle patience smiles on pain,
And dying hope revives again;
Hope wipes the tear from sorrow's eye,
And faith points upward to the sky.
7
The promise guides her ardent flight,
And joys, unknown to sense, invite,
Those blissful regions to explore,
Where pleasure blooms, to fade no more.
Hymn CCXXIX Long Metre. Holiness.
1
SO let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine
To prove the doctrine all divine.
2
Thus shall we best proclaim abroad
The honours of our Saviour God;
When the salvation reigns within,
And grace subdues the power of sin.
[Page 247]
3Our flesh and sense must be deny'd,
Passion and envy, lust and pride;
Whilst justice, temperance, truth and love,
Our inward piety approve.
4
Religion bears our spirits up
Whilst we expect that blessed hope,
The bright appearance of the Lord,
And faith stands leaning on his word.
Hymn CCXXX. Common Metre. The Hope of Heaven.
1
SOON shall this earthly frame dissolv'd
In death and ruin lie;
But better mansions wait the just,
Prepar'd above the sky.
2
An house eternal built by God,
Shall lodge the holy mind,
When once the prison-walls are broke
In which 'tis now confin'd.
3
Such are the hopes that cheer the just,
These hopes their God hath given;
His spirit is the earnest now,
And seals their souls for heaven.
4
What faith rejoices to believe
We long and pant to see;
[Page 248]We would be absent from the flesh,
And present Lord with thee.
Hymn CCXXXI. Common Metre. Human Misery and Divine Consolation.
1
THE days how few, how short the year▪
Of man's so rapid race!
Each leaving, as it swiftly flies,
A shorter in its place.
2
They who the longest lease enjoy
Have told us with a sigh;
That to be born, seems little more
Than to begin to die.
3
Our hearts are fastened to this world
By strong and numerous ties;
But every sorrow cuts a string
And urges us to rise.
4
When heaven would kindly set us free
And earth's enchantment end;
It takes the most effectual way,
And robs us of a friend.
5
If we presume to counteract
A sympathetic God;
Have we not cause to fear the stroke
Of his avenging rod?
[Page 249]
6If we resign, our patience makes
His rod a gentle wand;
If not, it darts a serpent's sting
Like that in Moses' hand.
Hymn CCXXXII. Long Metre. Divine Providence towards Man and Beast.
1
THE earth and all the heavenly frame
Their great creator's love proclaim;
He gives the Sun his genial power
And sends the soft refreshing shower.
2
The ground with plenty blooms again
And yields her various fruits to men;
To men who from thy bounteous hand
Receive the gifts of every land.
3
Nor to the human race alone
Is thy paternal goodness shown;
The tribes of earth, of sea and air,
Enjoy thy universal care.
4
Not ev'n a sparrow yields its breath
Till God permits the stroke of death;
He hears the ravens when they call,
The father and the friend of all.
5
Thy care, great God, sustains them all;
When urg'd by hunger's powerful call,
[Page 250]Expectant of the known supply
To thee, they lift the asking eye.
6
To thee, in ceaseless strains my tongue
Shall raise the morn and evening song;
And [...]ong as breath inspires my frame
The wonders of thy love proclaim.
Hymn CCXXXIII. Common Metre. Sinai and Sion.
1
THE God who once to Israel spoke
From Sinai's top in fire and smoke;
In gentler strains of gospel grace
Invites us now to seek his face.
2
He wears no terrors on his brow,
He speaks in love from Sion now;
It is the voice of Jesus' blood
That calls us wanderers back to God.
3
God's servant Moses quak'd and fear'd,
When Sinai's thund'ring law he heard;
But gospel grace with accents mild
Speaks to the sinner as a child.
4
Hark! how from Calvary it sounds,
From the redeemer's bleeding wounds:
"Pardon and grace I freely give,
Then, sinner, look to me and live."
[Page 251]
5What other arguments can move,
The heart that slights a saviour's love?
O may that heavenly power be felt
And cause the stony heart to melt.
6
Else how shall we thy presence bear,
When as our judge thou shalt appear;
When slighted love to wrath shall turn,
And the whole earth like Sinai burn.
Hymn CCXXXIV. Common Metre. Room at the Gospel Feast.
1
THE king of heaven his table spreads
And dainties crown the board;
Not paradise with all its joys
Could such delight afford.
2
Pardon and peace to dying men
And endless life are given;
And the rich blood that Jesus shed,
To raise the soul to heaven.
3
Ye hungry poor, who long have stray'd,
In sin's dark mazes, come,
Come from the hedges and highways
And grace will find you room.
4
Thousands of souls in glory now
Were fed and feasted here;
[Page 252]And thousands more, still on the way
Around the board appear.
5
Yet is his house and heart so large,
That thousands more may come;
Nor could the wide assembling world,
Oe'r-fill the spacious room.
6
All things are ready; enter in,
Nor weak excuses frame;
Come take your places at the feast,
And bless the founder's name.
Hymn CCXXXV. Short Metre. The Law and Gospel.
1
THE law, by Moses came,
But peace and truth and love,
Were bro't by Christ, a nobler name,
Descending from above.
2
Amidst the house of God,
Their different works were done;
Moses a faithful servant stood,
But Christ a faithful son.
3
Then to his new commands
Be strict obedience paid;
[Page 253]O'er all his father's house he stands
The sov'reign and the head.
4
The man who durst despise
The law that Moses bro't;
Behold how terribly he dies
For his presumptuous fault.
5
But sorer vengeance falls
On that rebellious race;
Who hate to hear when Jesus calls,
And dare resist his grace.
Hymn CCXXXVI. Common Metre. The New Covenant.
1
"THE promise of my father's love
Shall stand forever good."
He said; and gave his soul to death,
And seal'd the grace with blood!
2
To this new cov'nant of thy word
I set my worthless name;
I seal th' engagement to the Lord,
And make my humble claim.
3
The light and strength and pard'ning grace,
And glory shall be mine;
[Page 254]My life and soul, my heart and flesh,
And all my powers be thine.
4
Thus will I join my soul to God
In everlasting bands;
And take the blessings he bestows
With thankful heart and hands.
Hymn CCXXXVII. Long Metre.
The Reward of Faithful Servants. Daniel xii.3.
1
THERE is a glorious world on high,
Resplendent with eternal day;
Faith views the blissful prospect nigh,
And God's own word reveals the way.
2
There shall the servants of the Lord
With never fading lustre shine;
Surprizing honour! large reward,
Conferr'd on man by love divine!
3
How happy then the truly wise,
Who learn and keep the sacred road!
How happy they whom heav'n employs,
To turn rebellious men to God!
4
To win them from the fatal way,
Where erring folly thoughtless roves;
[Page 255]And that blest righteousness display,
Which Jesus wrought, and God approves!
5
The shining firmament shall fade,
And sparkling stars resign their light;
But these shall know nor change nor shade,
Forever fair, forever bright.
6
No fancy'd joy beyond the sky,
No fair delusion is reveal'd;
'Tis God that speaks, who cannot lie,
And all his word must be fulfil'd.
7
And shall not these cold hearts of ours,
Be kindled at the glorious view?
Come, Lord, awake our active powers,
Our feeble, dying strength renew.
8
On wings of faith and strong desire
O may our spirits daily rise;
And reach at last the shining choir,
In the bright mansions of the skies.
Hymn CCXXXVIII. Common Metre. Death and Heaven.
1
THERE is a house not made by hands,
Eternal and on high;
And here my spirit waiting stands,
Till God shall bid it fly.
[Page 256]
2Shortly this prison of my clay
Must be dissolv'd and fall;
Then, oh my soul, with joy obey
Thy heavenly father's [...]all.
3
'Tis he, by his almighty grace,
That forms thee fit for heaven;
And, as an earnest of the place,
Has his own spirit given.
4
We walk by faith of joys to come,
Faith lives upon his word;
But whilst the body is our home,
We're absent from the Lord.
5
'Tis pleasant to believe thy grace,
But we had rather see;
We would he absent from the flesh,
And present, Lord, with thee.
Hymn CCXXXIX. Common Metre. The Humiliation of Christ. Isa. liii.
1
THE Saviour comes! no outward pomp
Bespeaks his presence nigh;
No earthly beauties in him shine
To draw the carnal eye.
[Page 257]
2Fair as a blooming, tender flower
Amidst the desart grows;
So slighted and de [...]pis'd by man
The heavenly Saviour rose.
3
They held him as condemn'd by heaven
An outcast from his God;
While for their sins he groan'd and bled
Beneath his father's rod.
4
With sinners in the dust he lay,
The rich a grave supply'd;
Unspotted was his blameless life,
Unstain'd by sin he dy'd.
5
His soul rejoicing shall behold
The purchase of his pain;
And every sinner by him sav'd
Shall bless Messiah's reign.
6
He died to bear the guilt of men
That sin might be forgiven;
He lives to bless them and defend
And plead their cause in heaven.
Hymn CCXL. Common Metre. The Resurrection of the Martyrs.— Rev. vii.
1
"THESE glorious minds how bright they shine!
Whence all their white array?
[Page 258]How came they to the happy seats
Of everlasting day?"
2
From torturing pains to endless joys,
On fiery wheels they rode;
And strangely wash'd their rayment white
In Jesu's dying blood.
3
Now they approach a spotless God,
And bow before his throne;
Their warbling harps and sacred songs
Adore the holy one.
4
The unveil'd glories of his face,
Among his saints reside;
While the rich treasure of his grace,
Sees all their wants supply'd.
5
Tormenting thirst shall leave their souls,
And hunger flee as fast;
The fruit of life's immortal tree,
Shall be their sweet repast.
6
The Lamb shall lead his heavenly flock
Where living fountains rise;
And love divine shall wipe away,
The sorrows of their eyes.
[Page 259]
Hymn CCXLI. Long Metre. The Voice of Nature.
1
THE spacious firmament on hig [...]
With all the blue etherial sky;
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great original proclaim.
2
Th' unwearied sun from day to day,
Does his Creator's power display,
And publishes to every land
The work of an almighty hand.
3
Soon as the evening shades prevail,
The moon takes up the wond'rous tale,
And nightly to the listening earth,
Repeats the story of her birth.
4
Whilst all the stars that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.
5
What tho' in solemn silence, all
Move round the dark terrestrial ball;
What tho' no real voice nor sound,
Amidst their radiant orbs, be found.
6
In reason's ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice,
[Page 260]Forever singing as they shine,
The hand that made us is divine.
Hymn CCXLII. Long Metre. Remembrance of Christ.
1
"THIS do, in memory of your friend,"
Such was the Saviour's last request,
Who all the pangs of death endur'd
That we might live forever blest.
2
Yes, we'll record thy matchless love,
Thou dearest, tenderest, best of friends!
Thy dying love the noblest praise
Of long eternity transcends.
3
'Tis pleasure more than earth can give,
Thy goodness through these veils to see;
Thy table food celestial yields,
And happy they who sit with thee.
4
But oh! what vast transporting joys
Shall fill our breasts, our tongues inspire,
When, join'd with the celestial train,
Our grateful souls thy love admire!
5
When these vile bodies, all refin'd,
Perfect and glorious as thy own,
[Page 261]Unwearied shall our minds obey,
And join in worship near thy throne.
Hymn CCXLIII. Common Metre. The Testimony of a Good Conscience.
1
THOUGH frightful snares beset me round,
And threat'ning billows roll;
Though scandal and reproach abound,
To vex my weary soul.
2
A conscience pure can testify
My heart to be sincere;
Presumption and hypocrisy
All hateful still appear.
3
My feet have kept the path divine,
Though sinners did entice,
Nor do I yet, from thence decline
To tread the paths of vice.
4
God's word I treasure up and prize
Beyond all earthly good;
Compar'd with this I may despise
My necessary food.
5
Censorious men who dwell at ease,
May proudly on me tread;
[Page 262]My Saviour whom I seek to please
My righteous cause will plead.
6
His righteousness I shall behold,
When light springs from above;
And try'd I shall come forth as gold,
To praise his wondrous love.
Hymn CCXLIV. Long Metre. Christ the Image of the Invisible God.
1
THOU, Lord, by mortal eyes unseen,
And by thy offspring here unknown,
To manifest thyself to men,
Hast set thy image in thy Son.
2
As the bright Sun's meridian blaze
O'erwhelms and pains our feeble sight;
But cheers us with his softer rays,
When shining with reflected light;
3
So, in thy Son, thy power divine,
Thy wisdom, justice, truth and love,
With mild and pleasing lustre shine,
Reflected from thy throne above.
4
Though hard'ned Jews denied his claim,
And turn'd away their scornful face;
[Page 263]Yet those who trusted in his name,
Beheld in him, thy truth and grace.
5
O thou, at whose almighty word,
Fair light at first from darkness shone;
Give us to know our glorious Lord,
And see the father in the Son.
6
Whilst we, thine image there display'd,
With love and admiration view;
Form us in likeness to our head,
That WE may bear thy image too.
Hymn CCXLV. Common Metre. God our Refuge in Trouble.
1
THOU refuge of my weary soul,
On thee, when sorrows rise,
On thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies.
2
To thee I tell each rising grief,
For thou alone canst heal;
Thy promises can bring relief,
For every pain I feel.
3
But when these gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call thee mine
[Page 264]The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline.
4
Yet, gracious God, where shall I flee,
Thou art my only trust;
And still my soul would rise to thee
Though prostrate in the dust.
5
Hast thou not bid me seek thy face,
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sov'reign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
6
Thy mercy seat is open still,
There shall my soul retreat;
With humble hope attend thee still,
And wait beneath thy feet.
Hymn CCXLVI. Long Metre. Self-examination.
1
THOU vain, intruding world depart,
No more allure or vex my heart;
Let every vanity be gone,
I would be peaceful and alone.
2
Here let me search my inmost mind,
And try its real state to find;
[Page 265]The secret springs of tho't explore,
And call my words and actions o'er.
3
Reflect how soon my life will end,
And think on what my hopes depend;
What aim my busy tho'ts pursue,
What work is done, and what to do
4
Eternity is just at hand;
And shall I waste the ebbing sand?
And careless view departing day?
And throw my fleeting time away?
5
Be this my chief, my only care,
My high pursuit, my ardent prayer,
An interest in the Saviour's blood,
A pardon seal'd, and peace with GOD.
6
Search, gracious God, my inmost heart,
And light, and hope, and joy impart;
From guilt and error set me free,
And guide me safe to heav'n and thee.
Hymn CCXLVII. Long Metre. Seeking Christ the Shepherd.
1
THOU whom my soul admires above
All earthly joys and earthly love;
[Page 266]Tell me, my shepherd, let me know
Where doth thy sweetest pasture grow?
2
Where is the shadow of that rock,
Which from the sun defends thy flock!
Fain would I feed among thy sheep,
Among them rest, among them sleep.
3
The footsteps of thy flock I see,
Thy sweetest pastures here they be!
A wond'rous feast thy love prepares
Bought by thy wounds and groans and tears.
4
His sacred flesh he makes my food,
And bids me drink his precious blood.
Here to this feast my soul will come,
Till my beloved, lead me home.
Hymn CCXLVIII. Long Metre. The Vanity of Forms without Virtue.
1
TH' uplifted eye, and bended knee
Are but vain homage, Lord, to thee;
In vain our lips thy praise prolong,
The heart a stranger to the song.
2
Can rites and forms and flaming zeal
The breaches of thy precepts heal?
[Page 267]Can fasts and penance reconcile
Thy justice and obtain thy smile?
3
The pure, the humble, contrite mind,
Thankful, and to thy will resign'd,
To thee a nobler off'ring yields,
Than Sheba's groves or Sharon's fields.
4
Than floods of oil, or costly wine,
Rolling by thousands to thy shrine,
Or than if to thine altar led,
A first born son the victim bled.
5
"Be just and kind and humble too,
In all you say, in all you do;
To men your charity impart,
And love your God with all your heart."
6
This truth by ancient prophets given,
Was by thy Son, confirm'd from heaven;
And deep engrav'd, this great command,
Doth on eternal pillars stand.
Hymn CCXLIX. Long Metre. Love to God and Man.
1
THUS saith the first, the great command,
"Let all thy imward powers unite,
To love thy maker and thy God,
With sacred fervour and delight.
[Page 268]
2"Then shall thy neighbour next in place,
Share thine affections and esteem;
And let thy kindness to thyself,
Measure and rule thy love to him."
3
This is the sense that Moses spoke,
This did the prophets preach and prove;
For want of this the law is broke,
And the [...] law's fulfill'd by love.
4
But oh, how base our passions are!
How cold our charity and zeal!
Lord, fill our souls with heavenly fire,
Or we shall ne'er perform thy will.
Hymn CCL. Long Metre. God Dwelling with the Humble.
1
THUS faith the high and lofty one,
"I sit upon my holy throne;
My name is God, I dwell on high,
Dwell in my own eternity.
2
"But I descend to worlds below,
On earth I have a mansion too;
The humble spirit and contrite,
Is an abode of my delight.
[Page 269]
3"The humble soul my words revive,
I bid the mourning sinner live;
Heal all the broken hearts I find,
And ease the sorrows of the mind.
4
"When I contend against their sin,
I make them know how vile thye've been;
But should my wrath forever smoke,
Their souls would sink beneath the stroke."
5
O may thy pard'ning grace be nigh,
Lest we should faint, despair and die;
Thus shall our better tho'ts approve,
The methods of thy chastening love.
Hymn CCLI. Common Metre.
Characters of Christ. Isa. xliii.
1
THUS saith the Lord, who built the heavens,
And bade the planets roll;
Who peopled all the climes of earth,
And form'd the human soul.
2
"Behold my servant, see him rise,
Exalted in my might;
Him have I chosen, and in him
I place supreme delight.
[Page 270]
3"On him in rich effusion pour'd
My spirit shall descend;
My truth and judgment he shall show,
To earth's remotest end.
4
"Gentle and still shall be his voice,
No threats from him proceed;
The smoking flax he shall not quench,
Nor break the bruised reed.
5
"The feeble spark to flame he'll raise,
The weak will not despise;
Judgment he shall bring forth to truth,
And make the fallen rise.
6
"The progress of his zeal and power,
Shall never know decline;
Till foreign lands and distant isles
Receive the law divine."
Hymn CCLII. Common Metre. Children devoted to God.
1
THUS saith the mercy of the Lord,
"I'll be a God to thee,
I'll bless thy numerous race, and they
Shall be a seed for me."
[Page 271]
2Abrah'm believ'd the promis'd grace
And gave his sons to God;
But water seals the cov'nant now,
Which then was seal'd with blood.
3
Thus Lydia's house was sanctify'd
When she receiv'd the word;
Thus the believing jailor gave
His houshold to the Lord.
4
Thus do thy saints, O faithful God,
Thine ancient truth embrace;
To thee their infant offspring bring,
And humbly claim the grace.
Hymn CCLIII. Long Metre. Christ's Commission to preach the Gospel.
1
THUS spake the Saviour, when he sent
His ministers to preach his word;
They through the world obedient went,
And spread the gospel of their Lord.
2
"Go forth, ye heralds, in my name,
Bid the whole earth my grace receive;
The gospel jubilee proclaim,
And call them to repent and live.
[Page 272]
3The joyful news to all impart,
And teach them where salvation lies;
Bind up the broken bleeding heart,
And wipe the tear from weeping eyes.
4
Be wise as serpents where you go,
But harmless as the peaceful dove;
And let your heav'n-taught conduct show
That you're commission'd from above.
5
Freely from me ye have receiv'd,
Freely in love to others give,
Thus shall your doctrines be believ'd
And by your labours, sinners live.
6
All power is trusted in my hands,
I will protect you and defend;
Whilst thus you follow my commands
I'm with you till the world shall end."
7
Happy those servants of the Lord,
Who thus, their master's will obey!
How rich, how full is their reward,
Reserv'd until the final day!
Hymn CCLIV. Common Metre. Divine Goodness to Man.
1
THY wisdom, power and goodness Lord,
In all thy works appear;
[Page 273]But man, thy bounties shall record,
For thy distinguish'd care.
2
From thee, the breath of life we drew,
That breath thy power maintains;
Thy tender mercy ever new
Our brittle frame sustains.
[...]
Yet nobler gifts demand our praise,
Of reason's light possest;
By revelation's brighter rays
Still more divinely blest.
4
Thy providence our constant guard,
When threat'ning woes impend,
Will either threat'ning dangers ward,
Or timely succours lend.
5
On us thy providence has shone
With its propitious rays;
O let our lips and lives make known
Thy goodness and thy praise.
6
All bounteous Lord, thy grace impart,
O teach us to improve
Thy gifts with ever grateful heart,
And crown them with thy love.
[Page 274]
Hymn CCLV. Short Metre. The Voice of Wisdom.
1
'TIS wisdom's earnest cry
Wisdom, the voice of God
To young and old, the low and high,
She speaks his will abroad.
2
Within the human breast
Her strong monitions plead,
She thunders her divine protest,
Against th' unrighteous deed.
3
Within the holy place
She calls with open arms;
"How long, ye fools, will you embrace
Folly's deceiving charms?
4
The race of men I love;
In mercy I chastise;
Severely faithful, I reprove;
Hear, mortals, and be wise.
5
My doors are open wide
My table spread within;
Come then, ye simple, turn aside,
And leave the paths of sin.
6
My joys, unsensual taste,
Come drink of wisdom's wine,
No sorrow poisons my repast,
The banquet is divine.
[Page 275]
7My ways are ways of peace,
My pleasures never cloy;
The bliss I give will never cease
But lead to endless joy."
Hymn CCLVI. Short Metre. Preserving Grace.
1
TO God the only wise,
Our Saviour and our king,
Let all the saints below the skies
Their humble praises bring.
2
'Tis his alm [...]ghty love,
His counsel and his care,
Preserves us safe from sin and death
And every hurtful snare.
3
He will present our souls
Unblemish'd and complete,
Before the glory of his face,
With joys divinely great.
4
Then all the chosen seed
Shall meet around the throne;
Shall bless the conduct of his grace
And make his wonders known.
[Page 276]
5To our Redeemer God,
Wisdom with power belongs,
Immortal crowns of majesty
And everlasting songs.
Hymn CCLVII. Long Metre. Divine Preservation.
1
TO heaven my grateful soul ascends
On God alone for help depends;
His hand is my perpetual guard
His grace the source of my reward.
2
The spreading skies by power divine
In all their radiant glories shine;
From his command, the solid earth
And all its stores deriv'd their birth.
3
Inspected by his piercing eyes
No threat'ning snares my soul surprize;
My faithful guardian never sleeps,
My trembling feet he safely keeps.
4
Protected by his powerful arm
Should dreadful scenes our souls alarm,
Our lives are safe; his heavenly care
Defends us still from every snare.
[Page 277]
5He guides our feet, directs our way,
His morning smiles enliven day;
And when the sun withdraws the light
His presence cheers the shades of night.
Hymn CCLVIII. Long Metre. Communion with Christ.
1
TO Jesus, our exalted Lord,
That name, in heav'n and earth ador'd,
Fain would our hearts and voices raise,
A cheerful song of sacred praise.
2
But all the notes which mortals know,
Are weak and languishing and low;
Far, far above our humble songs,
The theme demands immortal tongues.
3
Yet whilst around his board we meet,
And worship at his sacred feet:
O let our warm affections move,
In glad returns of grateful love.
4
Yes, Lord, we love and we adore,
But long to know and love thee more;
And whilst we taste the bread and wine,
Desire to feed on joys divine.
[Page 278]
5Let faith our feeble senses aid,
To see thy wond'rous love display'd;
Thy broken flesh, thy bleeding veins,
Thy dreadful agonizing pains.
6
Let humble penitential woe,
With painful, pleasing anguish flow;
And thy forgiving love impart,
Life, hope and joy, to every heart.
Hymn CCLIX. Long Metre. The Heavenly Conqueror.
1
TO Jesus our victorious Lord,
The praises of our lives belong;
Forever be his name ador'd,
The subject of each thankful song.
2
Enslav'd by sin, beset by foes,
Undone and perishing, we lay;
His pity melted o'er our woes,
To save the trembling, dying prey.
3
He fought, he conquer'd tho' he fell,
Whilst with his last expiring breath,
He triumph'd o'er the powers of hell,
And by his dying, vanquish'd death.
[Page 279]
4Now on his father's throne he reigns,
And all the tuneful choir above,
Resound i [...] high, immortal strains,
The praises of victorious love.
5
Tho' still surviving foes arise,
Temptations, sins and doubts appear;
And pain our hearts and fill our eyes,
With many a groan and many a tear;
6
Still shall we fight and still prevail,
In our almighty leader's name;
His strength, whene'er our spirits fail,
Shall all our active powers inflame.
7
Immortal honours wait above,
To crown the dying conqueror's b [...]ow;
And endless peace, and joy, and love,
For the short war sustain'd below.
Hymn CCLX. Long Metre. The Lord's Supper.
1
'TWAS on that dark and doleful night
When powers of earth and hell arose,
Against the Son of God's delight,
And friends betray'd him to his [...].
[Page 280]
2Before the mournful scene began,
He took the bread and bless'd and brake;
What love thro' all his actions ran!
What wond'rous words of grace he spake!
3
"This is my body, broke for sin,
Receive and eat the living food;"
Then took the cup and bless'd the wine,
"'Tis the new cov'nant in my blood."
4
"In memory of your dying Lord,
Do this, (he said) till time shall end;
Meet at my table and record,
The love of your departed friend."
5
Jesus, thy feast we celebrate,
We show thy death, we sing thy name;
Till thou return and we shall eat
The marriage supper of the lamb.
Hymn CCLXI. Common Metre. The New Birth.
VAIN are the hopes the sons of men,
On their own works have built;
The carnal mind is all unclean,
And all its actions guilt.
[Page 281]
2Let Jew and Gentile stop their mouth,
Without a murmuring word;
And the whole race of Adam stand,
Guilty, before the Lord.
3
In vain we ask God's righteous law,
To justify us now;
When, to convince and to condemn,
Is all the law can do.
4
Not all the outward forms on earth,
Nor rites that Moses gave,
Nor will of men, nor blood, nor birth,
The guilty race can save.
5
God's spirit, like a heavenly wind,
Blows on the sons of flesh;
Changes the heart, renews the mind,
And forms the man afresh;
6
Our quickned souls awake and rise,
From the long sleep of death;
To heavenly things we turn our eyes,
And praise employs our breath.
7
The sins and folli [...] of our mind▪
Are crucify'd and dead;
By holy love our souls are join'd,
To Christ our living head.
[Page 282]
Hymn CCLXII. Long Metre. The Grave Destroyed.
1
UNVEIL thy bosom, faithful tomb,
Take this new treasure, to thy trust▪
And give these sacred relicks room,
To slumber in thy silent dust.
2
No pain, no grief, no anxious fear
Invade thy bounds; no mortal woes,
Can reach the peaceful sleeper here,
Whilst angels watch its soft repose.
3
So Jesus slept; God's dying Son,
Past through the grave and blest the bed,
Then rest, dear saint, till from his throne,
The morning break, and pierce the shade.
4
Break from his throne, illustrious morn!
Attend, O grave, his sov'reign word!
Restore thy trust; the glorious form
Will then arise to meet the Lord.
Hymn CCLXIII. Short Metre. The Lord's Day.
1
WELCOME, thou day of rest
That saw the Lord arise;
[Page 283]Welcome to this reviving breast
And these rejoicing eyes.
2
The King himself comes near
To feast his Saints, to day;
Here we may sit, and see him here,
And love and praise and pray.
3
One day amidst the place,
Where Jesus is [...];
Is better than ten thousand days,
Of pleasure and of [...]
4
My willing soul would stay,
In such a frame as this;
Till it is call'd to soar away,
To everlasting bliss.
Hymn CCLXIV. Common Metre. [...]ry and Dominion of Christ.
1
WE [...] our Saviour's wondrous death,
He conquer'd when he fell;
"'Tis finish'd," said his dying breath,
And shook the gates of hell.
2
"'Tis finish'd," our Immanuel cries,
The mighty work is done;
Hence shall his sovereign throne arise
His kingdom is begun.
[Page 284]
3His cross a sure foundation laid
For glory and re [...]n;
When through the r [...]gions of the dead
He pass'd, to reach the crown.
4
Exalted at his Father's side
Sits our victorious Lord;
His saints from sinners to divide,
To punish or reward.
5
The saints from his impartial eye
Await their several crowns;
And sinners wish in vain to fly
The terror of his frowns.
Hymn CCLXV. Common Metre. Resignation in Death.
1
WHAT cannot resignation do?
It wonders can perform,
That powerful charm "Thy will be done,"
Can lay the loudest storm.
2
Haste then, O resignation, haste,
'Tis thine to reconcile
The mind to death; at thy approach
The monster wears a smile.
[Page 285]
3What sight beneath the arch of heaven
Has most of heaven to boast?
The dying saint, resign'd, serene,
And giving up the ghost.
4
O for that summit of my wish
Whilst yet I draw my breath,
That foretaste of eternal life,
A glorious smile in death!
Hymn CCLXVI. Common Metre. Gratitude for Divine Mercies. Part I.
1
WHEN all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love and praise.
2
Thy providence my life sustain'd
And all my wants redress'd,
When in the silent womb I lay
Or hung upon the breast.
3
To all my weak complaints and cries
Thy mercy lent an ear,
Er'e yet my feeble thoughts had learn'd
To form themselves in prayer.
4
Unnumber'd comforts on my soul,
Thy tender care bestow'd;
[Page 286]Before my infant heart conceiv'd
From whom those comforts flow'd.
5
When in the slippery paths of youth
With heedless steps I ran,
Thine arm unseen convey'd me safe
And led me up to man.
6
Thro' hidden dangers toils, and death,
It gently clear'd my way;
And thro' the pleasing scenes of vice
Where thousands go astray.
Hymn CCLXVII. Common Metre. Gratitude for Divine Mercies. Part II.
1
WHEN pale with sickness, oft hast thou
With health renew'd my face;
And when in sin and sorrow sunk
Reviv'd my soul with grace.
2
Thy bounteous hand with worldly good
Has made my cup run o'er;
And in a kind and faithful friend
Hast doubled all my store.
3
Ten thousand, thousand precious gifts
My daily thanks employ,
Nor is the least, a cheerful heart
That tastes those gifts with joy.
[Page 287]
4Thro' every period of my life
Thy goodness I'll pursue;
And after death, in distant worlds
The glorious theme renew.
5
When nature fails, and day and night
Divide the time no more,
My ever grateful heart, O Lord,
Thy mercy shall adore.
6
Through all eternity to thee
A joyful song I'll raise;
For O, eternity's too short
To utter all thy praise.
Hymn CCLXVIII. Common Metre. The Spring.
1
WHEN verdure clothes the fertile vale
And blossoms deck the spray;
And fragrance breathes in every gale,
How sweet the vernal day!
2
Hark how the feather'd warblers sing,
'Tis nature's cheerful voice;
Soft music hails the lovely spring
And woods and fields rejoice.
3
How kind, the influence of the skies!
The showers, with blessings fraught▪
[Page 288]Bid verdure, beauty, fragrance rise,
And fix the roving thought.
4
Then let my wondering heart confess
With gratitude and love,
The bounteous hand that deigns to bless
The garden, field and grove.
5
That bounteous hand, my thoughts adore,
Beyond expression kind,
Hath better, nobler gifts in store,
To bless the craving mind.
6
O God of nature and of grace,
Thy heavenly gifts impart!
Then shall my meditation trace
Spring, blooming in my heart!
7
Inspir'd to praise, I then shall join
Glad nature's cheerful song:
And love and gratitude divine
Attune my joyful tongue.
Hymn CCLXIX. Common Metre. Strength from God.
1
WHENCE do our mournful tho'ts arise
And where's our courage fled?
[Page 289]Has restless sin and hopeless fear,
Struck all our comfort dead?
2
Have we forgot th' almighty hand,
That form'd the earth and sea?
Or can the all-creating arm,
Grow weary or decay?
3
Treasures of everlasting might,
In our Jehovah dwell;
He gives the conquest to the weak,
And treads their foes to hell.
4
Mere mortal power shall fade and die,
And youthful vigour cease;
But they who wait upon the Lord
Shall find their strength increase.
5
The saints shall mount on eagle's wings,
And taste the promis'd bliss;
'Till their unwearied feet arrive,
Where perfect pleasure is.
Hymn CCLXX. Common Metre. Victory over Death, thro' Christ.
1
WHEN death appears before my sight,
In all his dire array;
[Page 290]Unequal to the dreadful sight,
My courage dies away.
2
How shall I meet this potent foe,
Whose frown my soul alarms?
Dark horror sits upon his brow!
And vict'ry waits his arms!
3
But, see my glorious leader nigh!
My Lord, my Saviour lives;
Before him death's pale terrors fly,
And my faint heart revives.
4
Jesus, be thou my sure defence,
My guard forever near;
My faith shall triumph over sense,
And never yield to fear.
5
O, may I meet the final hour,
With fortitude divine;
Sustain'd by thine almighty power,
The conquest must be mine.
6
Lord, I commit my soul to thee,
Accept the sacred trust;
Receive this nobler part of me,
And watch my sleeping dust.
7
Till that illustrious morning come,
When all thy saints shall rise;
And cloth'd in thine immortal bloom,
Attend thee to the skies.
[Page 291]
8O let me join their raptur'd lays,
And with the blissful throng,
Resound salvation, power and praise,
In everlasting song.
Hymn CCLXXI. Long Metre. Christ the Life of the Soul.
1
WHEN doubts and fears prevailing rise,
And fainting hope almost expires;
Jesus, to thee I lift mine eyes,
To thee I breathe my strong desires.
2
Art thou not mine, my living Lord?
And can my hope, my comfort die,
Fix'd on thine everlasting word,
That word which built the earth and sky?
3
If my immortal Saviour lives,
Then my immortal hope is sure;
His word a firm foundation gives,
Here, let me build and rest secure.
4
Here, let my faith unshaken dwell,
Immoveable the promise stands;
Not all the powers of earth and hell,
Can e'er dissolve the sacred bands.
[Page 292]
5Here, then, my soul, thy trust repose,
If Jesus is forever mine,
Not death itself, the last of foes,
Shall break a union so divine.
Hymn CCLXXII. Common Metre. Thirsting after God— Isaiah, xli.17.
1
WHEN fainting in the sultry waste,
And parch'd with thirst extreme,
The weary pilgrim [...]ongs to taste
The cool refreshing stream;
2
Should, sudden, to his hopeless eye,
A chrystal spring appear,
How would th' enlivening, sweet supply
His drooping spirit cheer!
3
So longs the weary fainting mind,
Oppress'd with sins and woes,
Some soul reviving spring to find,
Whence heavenly comfort flows.
4
Thus sweet the consolations are,
The promises impart;
Here, flowing streams of life appear,
To ease the panting heart.
[Page 293]
5O when I thirst for thee, my God,
With ardent strong desire,
And still, thro' all this desart road,
To taste thy grace, aspire;
6
Then, let my prayer to thee ascend,
A grateful sacrifice;
My plaintive voice thou wilt attend,
And grant me full supplies.
Hymn CCLXXIII. Common Metre. The Discipline of God's Providence.
1
WHEN I review the crooked ways,
Through which my feet have trod;
I find incessant cause to bless
And love my guardian GOD.
2
Through all the labyrinth of life,
My folly he pursu'd;
My wandering heart to quick return,
How tenderly he woo'd!
3
I rarely plann'd, but cause I found
My plan's defeat to bless;
Oft I lamented an event
Which turn'd to my success.
[Page 294]
4When labouring under fancy'd ill,
My spirits to sustain;
He kindly cur'd with wholesome draughts
Of unaffected pain.
5
Sometimes he brought me near to death,
And pointing to the grave,
Made terror whisper kind advice,
And taught the tomb to save.
6
To raise my thoughts beyond where worlds
As spangles o'er us shine;
One day he gave, and made the next
My soul's delight resign.
7
From what seem'd horror and despair,
The richest harvest rose;
And gave me in the will divine,
An absolute repose.
Hymn CCLXXIV. Long Metre. Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.
1
WHEN I survey the wond'rous cross,
On which the prince of glory died;
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
[Page 295]
2Forbid it Lord, that I should boast,
But in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood.
3
See from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet?
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4
His dying crimson like a robe,
Spreads o'er his body on the tree;
Then am I dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
5
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Hymn CCLXXV. Common Metre. Trust in God's Word.
1
WHEN sin and sorrow, fear and pain
My trembling heart dismay
My feeble strength, alas, how vain!
It sinks and dies away.
2
My spirit asks a firmer prop,
I lean upon the Lord;
[Page 296]My God, the pillar of my hope,
Is thy unchanging word.
3
On this are built, the brightest joys
Celestial beings know,
And 'tis the same almighty voice
Supports the faints below.
4
'Tis this upholds the rolling spheres
And heav'n's immortal frame;
Then, let my soul suppress her fears
My basis is the same.
5
Thy sacred word, thy solemn oath
Forever must remain;
I trust in everlasting truth,
Nor shall my trust be vain,
Hymn CCLXXVI. Common Metre.
Repentance and Pardon. Isa. lv.
1
WHEN sinners quit their wicked ways
Their evil thoughts forego,
The God to whom their steps return
Returning grace will show.
2
He pardons with o'erflowing love;
For, hear the voice divine;
[Page 297]"My nature is not like to yours,
Nor like your ways to mine.
3
"But far as heaven's resplendent orbs
Beyond this earth extend;
So far my tho'ts, so far my ways,
Your tho'ts and ways transcend.
4
"Like as the showers from heaven distil
Nor thither rise again;
But swell the earth with fruitful juice
And all its tribes sustain;
5
"So not a word that flows from me
Shall ineffectual fall,
But universal nature prove
Obedient to my call.
6
"Where briars grew in barren wild [...]
Shall firs and myrtles spring;
And nature thro' her utmost bounds
Eternal praises sing."
Hymn CCLXXVII. Long Metre. The Influence of the Divine Spirit.
1
WHEN the blest comforter is nigh
'Tis he sustains my sinking heart;
[Page 298]Else would my hopes forever die,
And every cheering ray depart.
2
When some kind promise glads my soul,
Does not his kind and welcome voice
The tempest of my fears control
And bid my drooping heart rejoice?
3
When e'er to call the Saviour mine
With ardent wish my heart aspires,
Can it be less than power divine
Which animates these strong desires?
4
What less than thy almighty word
Can raise my heart from earth and dust,
And bid me welcome to my Lord,
My life, my treasure and my trust?
5
And when my lively hope can say
I love my God and taste his grace,
Lord is it not thy blissful ray
Which gives the vision of thy face?
6
Let thy good spirit in my heart
Forever dwell, O God of love;
And light and heavenly peace impart;
Blest earnest of the joys above.
Hymn CCLXXVIII. Common Metre. The Pleasure of Religion.
WHEN true religion gains a place,
And lives within the mind,
[Page 299]The sensual life subdu'd by grace,
And all the soul refin'd.
2
The desart blooms in living green,
Where thorns and briars grew;
The barren waste is fruitful seen,
And all the prospect new.
3
The storms of rugged winter cease,
The frozen powers revive;
Spring blooms without, within is peace,
All nature seems alive.
4
O happy christian, richly bless'd!
What floods of pleasure roll!
By God and man he stands confess'd
In dignity of soul.
5
Substantial, pure, his every joy!
His maker is his friend,
The noblest business his employ,
And happiness his end!
6
Ye sensual, worldly, proud and vain,
Your airy good pursue;
Let me religion's pleasure gain,
I'll leave the world to you.
[Page 300]
Hymn CCLXXIX. Common Metre. The Last Tempest.
1
WHEN wild confusion wrecks the air
And tempests rend the skies;
Whilst blended ruin, clouds and fire
In harsh disorder rise;
2
Safe in my Saviour's love I'll stand
And strike a tuneful song,
My harp all trembling in my hand,
And all inspir'd my tongue.
3
I'll shout aloud, "Ye thunders roll,
And shake the sullen sky,
Your sounding voice from pole to pole
In angry murmurs try.
4
Let the earth totter on her base,
And clouds the heaven deform;
Blow all ye winds from every place,
And rush the final storm.
5
Come quickly, blessed hope, appear,
Bid thy swift chariot fly,
Let angels tell thy coming near,
And snatch me to the sky.
6
Around thy wheels in the glad throng
I'd bear a joyful part;
All hallelujah on my tongue
All rapture in my heart."
[Page 301]
Hymn CCLXXX. Long Metre. To Christ the Eternal Life.
1
WHERE shall the tribes of Adam [...]nd
The sovereign good to fill the mind?
Ye sons of moral wisdom show,
The spring whence living waters flow.
2
Say, will the Stoi [...]'s flinty heart
Melt, and this cordial [...]alm impart?
Could Plato find these blissful streams
Among his raptures and his dreams?
3
In vain I ask! for nature's power
Extends but to this mortal hour;
'Twas but a poor relief she gave
Against the terrors of the grave.
4
Jesus, our kinsman and our Lord,
By angels and by men ador'd,
Thou art our life; our souls in thee
Possess a full felicity.
5
Let atheists scoff and Jews blaspheme
Th' eternal life, and Jesu's name;
Yet our immortal hopes are laid
In thee, our surety and our head.
[Page 302]
6Thy cross, thy cradle and thy throne,
Are full of glories, yet unknown;
'Tis heaven on earth, 'tis heaven above,
To see thy face, to sing thy love.
Hymn CCLXXXI. Common Metre. Mercy before Sacrifice.
1
WHEREWITH shall guilty man appear
Before Jehovah's throne?
Or how procure thy kind regard
And for his sins atone?
2
Shall altars flame, and victims bleed,
And spicy fumes ascend?
Will these our earnest wish succeed
And make our God our friend?
3
Should thousand rams in flames expire
Would these thy favours buy?
Or oil that should for holy fire
Ten thousand streams supply.
4
With trembling hands and bleeding heart
Should we our offspring slay;
Would this atone for ill-desert
And take our guilt away?
[Page 303]
5"No, saith the Lord, 'tis fruitless all
Such costly rites are vain;
No victims from the field or stall
My favour can obtain.
6
"But truth to men and justice show,
And proofs of mercy give;
Then humbly walk with God below
And you with God shall live.
7
"Hands that are clean and hearts sincere
I never will despise;
And cheerful duty will prefer
To costly sacrifice."
Hymn CCLXXXII. Common Metre. The Nativity of Christ.
1
WHILST shepherds watch'd their flocks by night
Near Bethl'em's happy ground,
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around.
2
"Fear not," said he, (for mighty dread
Had seiz'd their troubled mind,)
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
[Page 304]
3To you, in David's town, this day
Is born of David's line;
The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.
4
The heav'nly babe you there shall find
To human view display'd;
But meanly wrapp'd in swathing bands
And in a manger laid."
5
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appear'd a shining throng,
Of angels, praising God, and thus,
Address'd their joyful song.
9
"All glory be to God on high!
And to the earth be peace!
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease!"
Hymn CCLXXXIII. Long Metre. Peace of Conscience.
1
WHILST some in folly's pleasure roll
And seek the joys which hurt the soul;
Be mine that silent calm repast,
A peaceful conscience to the last:
2
That tree which bears immortal fruit,
Without a can [...]er at the root;
[Page 305]That friend who never fails the just
When other friends desert their trust.
3
With this companion in the shade,
My soul no more shall be dismay'd;
I will defy the midnight gloom,
And the pale monarch of the tomb.
4
Though God afflicts, I'll not repine,
The noblest comforts still are mine;
Comforts which shall o'er death prevail,
And journey with me through the vale.
5
Amidst the various scenes of ills
Each stroke some kind design fulfils;
And shall I murmur at my God,
When sovereign love directs the rod?
6
His hand will smooth my rugged way,
And lead me to the realms of day;
To milder skies and brighter plains,
Where everlasting pleasure reigns.
Hymn CCLXXXIV. Common Metre. Devotion.
1
WHILST thee I seek, protecting power!
Be my vain wishes still'd;
[Page 306]And may this consecrated hour
With better hopes be fill'd.
2
Thy Love the power of thought bestow'd,
To thee my thoughts would soar:
Thy mercy o'er my life has flew'd,
That mercy I adore.
3
In each event of life, how clear
Thy ruling hand I see!
Each blessing to my soul more dear,
Because conferr'd by thee.
4
In every joy that crowns my days,
In every pain I bear,
My heart shall find delight in praise,
Or seek relief in prayer.
5
When gladness wings my favor'd hour,
Thy love my thoughts shall fill:
Resign'd when storms of sorrow lower,
My soul shall meet thy will.
6
My lifted eye without a tear
The gathering storm shall see;
My stedfast heart shall know no fear,
That heart will rest on thee!
[Page 307]
Hymn CCLXXXV. Long Metre. REANIMATION. A HYMN for the HUMANE SOCIETY. [The last stanza is to be sung by those who have been restored to life from apparent death.]
1
WHO, from the gloomy shades of night,
When the last tear of hope is shed,
Can bid the soul return to light,
And break the slumber of the dead?
2
No human skill that heart can warm,
Which the cold blast of nature froze;
Recall to life the perish'd form;
The secret of the grave disclose.
3
But thou, our saving God, we know,
Canst arm the mortal hand with power;
To bid the stagnant pulses flow,
The animating heat restore.
4
Thy will, ere nature's tutor'd hand
Could with young life, these limbs unfold,
Did the imprison'd brain expand,
And all its countless fibres told.
5
As from the dust, thy forming breath
Could the unconscious being raise;
[Page 308]So can the silent voice of death
Wake at thy call, in songs of praise.
6
"Since twice to die is ours alone,
And twice the birth of life to see;
O let us, suppliant at thy throne,
Devote our second life to thee."
Hymn CCLXXXVI. Long Metre. Faith Triumphant.
1
WHO shall the Lord's elect condemn?
'Tis God who justifies their souls▪
And mercy like a mighty stream
O'er all their sins divinely rolls.
2
Who shall adjudge the saints to hell?
'Tis Christ who suffer'd in their stead;
And the salvation to fulfil,
Behold him rising from the dead!
3
He lives! he lives! and reigns above,
Forever interceding there;
Who shall divide us from his love?
Or what shall tempt us to despair?
4
Shall persecution or distress,
Famine, or sword, or nakedness?
[Page 309]He who hath lov'd us, bears us thro',
And makes us more than conq'rors too.
5
Faith has an overcoming power,
It triumphs in the dying hour;
Christ is our life, our joy, our hope,
Nor can we sink with such a prop.
6
Not all that men on earth can do,
Nor powers on high, nor powers below;
Shall cause his mercy to remove,
Or wean our hearts from Christ our love.
Hymn CCLXXXVII. Common Metre. Death and the Resurrection.
1
WHY do we mourn departing friends,
Or shake at death's alarms?
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends,
To call them to his arms.
2
Why should we tremble to convey
Their bodies to the tomb?
There Jesus' sacred body lay,
And left a long perfume.
3
The graves of all his saints he bless'd,
And soften'd every bed:
[Page 310]Where should the dying members rest,
But with the dying head?
4
Thence he arose, ascended high,
And show'd our feet the way;
Up to the Lord, our flesh shall fly
At the great rising day.
5
Then shall the last loud trumpet sound,
And bid our friends arise;
Awake, ye nations, from the ground,
Ye saints, ascend the skies.
Hymn CCLXXXVIII. Common Metre. Looking at Things Unseen.
1
WHY should the world's alluring toys
Detain our hearts and eyes;
Regardless of immortal joys
And strangers to the skies!
2
These transient scenes will soon decay,
They fade upon the sight;
And quickly will their brighter day
Be lost in endless night.
3
Their brightest day! alas, how vain!
With conscious sighs we own;
[Page 311]Whilst clouds of sorrow, care and pain
O'ershade the smiling noon.
4
O could our tho'ts and wishes fly
Above these gloomy shades,
To those bright worlds beyond the sky
Which sorrow ne'er invades.
5
There joys unseen by mortal eyes
Or reason's feeble ray,
In ever blooming prospect rise
Unconscious of decay.
6
Lord send a beam of light divine
To guide our upward aim,
With one reviving ray of thine
Our languid hearts inflame.
7
Then shall on faith's sublimest wing
Our ardent wishes rise,
To those bright scenes where pleasures spring
Immortal in the skies.
Hymn CCLXXXIX. Long Metre. Marriage.
1
WITH cheerful voices rise and sing
The praises of our God and King;
[Page 312]For he alone can minds unite,
And bless with conjugal delight.
2
This wedded pair, O Lord inspire
With heavenly love, that sacred fire;
From this blest moment may they prove
The bliss divine of marriage love.
3
O may they both increasing find
Substantial pleasures of the mind;
Happy together may they be,
And both united, Lord, to thee.
4
To you, blest pair, your God hath given,
To taste the love which reigns in heaven;
His gift with all your powers improve,
And cultivate that virtuous love.
5
So may you live as truly one;
And when your work on earth is done,
Rise, hand in hand, to heaven, and share
The joys of love forever there▪
Hymn CCXC. Common Metre. The Penitent Thief.
1
WITH deep contrition, grief and shame,
The thief his crimes confess'd,
T [...]en turn'd his dying eyes to Christ,
And thus his prayer address'd.
[Page 313]
2"When to thy kingdom thou shalt come
O Lord, remember me."
"This day, with me in paradise
Thy happy soul shall be."
3
Thus spake the Saviour to a wretch,
Who languish'd at his side;
Whilst on the fatal tree he hung,
And bled and groan'd and dy'd.
4
Jesus, thou son and heir of heaven,
Thou Lord of all below;
Though then unjustly thou was brought
To infamy and woe;
5
Yet quickly from that dreadful scene
In triumph thou didst rise,
Burst through the prison of the grave
And gain thy native skies!
6
Exalted to thy father's throne,
Pardon and life to give;
The penitent thou still dost hear,
And bid the sinner live.
Hymn CCXCI. Common Metre. The First and Second Adam.
1
WITH flowing eyes and bleeding hearts
A fallen world survey!
[Page 314]See the wide ruin sin has made,
In one unhappy day!
2
Adam, in God's own image form'd,
See from his God estrang'd!
And all the joys of paradise
For guilt and horror chang'd!
3
This fatal heritage bequeath'd
To all his helpless race!
Thro' this dark maze of sin and woe
Thus to the grave we pass!
4
But, O my soul, with rapture hear
The second Adam's name;
And the celestial gifts he brings
To all his seed, proclaim.
5
What though in mortal life they mourn?
What though by death they fall?
Jesus in one triumphant day
Transforms and crowns them all!
6
Praise to his rich transcending grace
Even by our fall we rise!
And gain for earthly Eden lost
A heavenly Paradise!
[Page 315]
Hymn CCXCII. Common Metre. Compassion of Christ.
1
WITH joy we meditate the grace
Of our high priest above;
His heart is full of tenderness,
Of pity and of love.
2
Touch'd with a sympathy within
He knows our feeble frame;
He knows what fore temptations mean
For he endur'd the same.
3
But spotless, innocent and pure
The great Redeemer stood;
When Satan's fiery darts he bore,
And did resist to blood.
4
He in the days of feeble flesh
Pour'd out his cries and tears;
And in his measure feels afresh
What every christian bears.
5
He'll never quench the smoking flax
But raise it to a flame;
The bruised reed he never breaks,
Nor scorns the meanest name.
6
Then let our humble faith address
His mercy and his power;
We shall obtain delivering grace
In the distressing hour.
[Page 316]
Hymn CCXCIII. Common Metre. Repentance and Hope.
1
WITH restless agitations tost,
And low immers'd in woes,
When shall my wild distemper'd thoughts
Regain their lost repose?
2
O thou, the wretched's sure retreat,
These torturing cares control;
And with the cheerful smile of peace
Revive my fainting soul.
3
Did ever thy paternal ear
The humble plea disdain?
Or when did plaintive misery sigh,
Or supplicate in vain?
4
Oppress'd with grief and shame, dissolv'd
In penitential tears,
Thy goodness calms our restless doubts
And dissipates our fears.
5
New life from thy refreshing grace
Our sinking hearts receive;
For 'tis thy darling attribute
To pity and forgive.
6
From that blest source, propitious hope
Appears serenely bright;
[Page 317]And sheds its soft diffusive beam,
O'er sorrow's dismal night.
7
My griefs confess its vital power,
And bless the friendly ray;
Which ushers in the glad serene
Of everlasting day.
Hymn CCXCIV. Long Metre. Jesus Christ, the same Yesterday, to Day and Forever.
1
WITH wonder, Lord, our souls proclaim
Th' immortal honours of thy name;
Assembled round our Saviour's throne
We make his countless glories known.
2
Ere Adam's clay with life was warm'd
Or Gabriel's nobler spirit form'd;
Before creation was begun,
Before all ages, was the SON.
3
Thro' all succeeding ages he
The same hath been and still shall be;
Immortal honours crown his head,
Tho' earth and skies wax old and fade.
4
The same his power his flock to guard,
The same his bounty to reward;
[Page 318]The same his faithfulness and love,
To saints on earth and saints above.
5
Let nature change, and sink, and die,
Jesus shall raise his people high;
And place them near his father's throne
In glory lasting as his own.
Hymn CCXCV. Common Metre. The Christian's Farewell.
1
YE golden lamps of heaven farewell,
With all your feeble light;
Farewell thou ever changing moon,
Pale empress of the night.
2
And thou, refulgent orb of day,
In brighter flames array'd;
My soul that springs beyond thy sphere,
No more demands thy aid.
3
Ye stars are but the shining dust
Of my divine abode;
The pavement of those heavenly courts,
Where I shall see my God.
4
The father of eternal light
Shall there his beams display;
Nor shall one moment's darkness mix
With that un [...]aried day.
[Page 319]
5No more the drops of piercing grief
Shall swell into my eyes;
Nor the meridian sun decline,
Amidst those brighter skies.
6
There all the millions of his saints
Shall in one song unite;
And each, the bliss of all shall view
With infinite delight.
Hymn CCXCVI. Common Metre. Divine Goodness.
1
YE humble souls approach your God
With songs of sacred praise;
For he is good, immensely good,
And kind are all his ways.
2
All nature owns his guardian care,
In him we live and move;
But nobler benefits declare
The wonders of his love.
3
He gave his well beloved son,
To save our souls from sin;
Tis here he makes his goodness known,
And proves it all divine.
4
To this sure refuge, Lord, we come,
And here our hope relies;
[Page 320]A safe defence, a peaceful home
When storms of trouble rise.
5
Thine eye beholds with kind regard
The souls who trust in thee;
Their humble hope thou wilt reward
With bliss divinely free.
6
Great God, to thy almighty love
What honours shall we raise;
Not all the raptur'd songs above
Can render equal praise.
Hymn CCXCVII. Long Metre. Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.
1
YE humble souls complain no more,
Let faith survey your future store,
How happy, how divinely blest,
The sacred words of truth attest.
2
When conscious grief laments sincere
And pours the penitential tear;
Hope points to your dejected eyes,
A bright reversion in the skies.
3
In vain the sons of wealth and pride
Despise your lot, your hopes deride;
[Page 321]In vain they boast their little stores,
Trifles are theirs, a kingdom yours.
4
A kingdom, of immense delight,
Where health and peace and joy unite;
A kingdom which shall ne'er decay
Tho' earthly kingdoms fade away.
5
There shall your eyes with rapture view
The glorious friend, who dy'd for you;
Who dy'd to ransom, dy'd to raise
To crowns of joy and songs of praise.
6
Jesus, to thee I breathe my prayer,
Confirm to me, my interest there;
Whatever be my lot below,
This, this my soul desires to know.
7
O let me hear thy voice divine,
Pronounce the glorious blessing mine;
Enroll'd among thy happy poor,
My largest wishes ask no more.
Hymn CCXCVIII. Common Metre.
The Invitation. Isa. lv.
1
"YE thirsty souls, approach the spring
Where living waters flow;
Free to that sacred fountain, all
Without a price may go.
[Page 322]
2"How long to streams of false delight
Will ye in crouds repair?
How long your strength and substance waste
On trifles light as a [...]
3
"My stores afford those rich supplies
That health and pleasure give;
Incline your ear and come to me,
The soul that hears shall live.
4
"With you a cov'nant I will make,
That ever shall endure;
The hope which glad'ned David's heart
My mercy hath made sure.
5
"Behold he comes, your leader comes
With might and honour crown'd;
A witness who shall spread my name
To earth's remotest bound.
6
"See, nations hasten to his call
From every distant shore;
Islands unknown shall bow to him,
And Israel's God adore."
Hymn CCXCIX. Common Metre. The Gospel Feast.
1
YE wretched, hungry, starving poor,
Behold a royal feast!
[Page 323]Where mercy spreads her bounteous store
For every humble guest.
2
See Jesus stands with open arms,
He calls, he bids you come:
Guilt holds you back, and fear alarms,
But see there yet is room!
3
In Jesu's condescending heart
Both love and pity meet;
Nor will he bid the soul depart,
That trembles at his feet.
4
Come then, and with his people taste
The blessings of his love;
While hope attends the sweet repast,
Of nobler joys above.
5
There with united heart and voice,
Before th' eternal throne;
Ten thousand, thousand souls rejoice,
In extasies unknown.
6
And yet ten thousand, thousand more,
Are welcome still to come;
Ye longing souls, the grace adore,
Approach, there yet is room.
Hymn CCC. Common Metre. True and False Zeal.
1
ZEAL is that pure and heavenly flame
The fire of love supplies;
[Page 324]Whilst that which often bears the name
Is self but in disguise.
2
True zeal is merciful and mild,
Can pity and forbear;
The fals [...] is headstrong, fierce and wild,
And breathes revenge and war.
3
While zeal for truth the christian warms,
He knows the worth of peace;
But self comends for names and forms,
Its party to increase.
4
Zeal has attain'd its highest aim,
Its end is satisfy'd,
If sinners love the Saviour's name
Nor seeks it aught beside.
5
But self, however well employ'd,
Has its own ends in view;
And says as boasting Jehu cry'd,
"Come see what I can do."
6
Self may its own reward obtain
And be applauded here;
But zeal the best applause will gain
When Jesus shall appear.
7
This idol self, O Lord, dethrone,
And from our hearts remove;
And let no zeal by us be shown
But that which springs from love.
[Page]
ASCRIPTIONS and BENEDICTIONS. Founded on TEXTS of SCRIPTURE: to be sung at the End of Psalms and Hymns, in various Metres.
I. Common Metre.—Single.
Phil. iv.7.
MAY peace which from the Lord preceeds,
Which Christ alone imparts,
Which human knowledge far exceeds,
Preserve and keep our hearts.
II. Psalm xxviii.9.
Lord bless thy people, who to thee
Do all their safety owe,
Feed thou thy flock and raise them up
When they are fallen low.
III. Rev. v.13.
Blessing and honour, glory, power,
By all in earth and heaven,
[Page 326]To him who sits upon the throne,
And to the Lamb be given.
IV. Another.
To him who sits upon the throne.
The God whom we adore;
And to the Lamb that once was slain,
Be glory evermore.
V. Common Metre.—Double.
Phil. ii.10, 11.
Let every creature bow their head,
To God's exalted Son;
Since God hath rais'd him from the dead
And plac'd him on his throne.
Let every mortal tongue confess
That Jesus is the Lord;
Thus when the Saviour's name we bless,
The Father is ador'd.
VI. Hebrews xiii.20, 21.
Now may the God of peace and love,
Who from the shades of death,
[Page 327]Restor'd the shepherd of the sheep
To draw immortal breath,
Enrich our souls with every grace
That we may do his will;
And all that's pleasing in his sight,
Inspire us to fulfil.
VII. Rev. i.5, 6.
To him who wash'd us from our sins,
In his own precious blood▪
And made us Kings and Priests, before
His Father and his God,
To him who died and rose again,
Be glory ever given;
And may his wide dominion spread
Throughout the earth and heaven.
VIII. Rev. v.9, 10.
Worthy art thou, who once wast slain,
To open every seal,
And from the book of God's decrees▪
His counsels to reveal.
[Page 328]
Thou hast redeem'd us by thy blood,
From sin hast set us free,
Hast made us Kings and Priests to God,
And we shall reign with thee.
Long Metre.—Single.
I. Mat. xxi.9.
HOSANNA* to King David's Son,
Who reigns on a superior throne;
We bless the prince of heavenly birth,
Who brought salvation down to earth.
II. 1 Tim. i.17.
Now to the great eternal King,
Th' immortal God, we mortals sing,
God only wise we glorify,
Invisible to mortal eye.
III. 1 Tim. vi.15, 16.
To him who dwells in heavenly light,
Beyond the reach of human sight,
[Page 329]The King supreme, the Lord of heaven,
Be endless praise and honour given.
IV. 2 Thess. ii.16, 17.
May God the Father and his Son,
From whom all love and grace proceed▪
Comfort our hearts and 'stablish us
In every virtuous word and deed.
V. Long Metre. Six Lines.
Jude, ver. 24, 25.
To him whose wisdom, love and power
Preserves us in temptation's hour,
Who will present our souls complete
Before the glory of his seat;
To God our Saviour, only wise,
Let songs of praise and honour rise.
All Sevens Metre.
2 Cor. xiii.14.
MAY the grace of Christ our Saviour
And the Father's boundless love,
With the holy Spirit's favour
Rest upon us from above.
[Page 330]
Short Metre.
I. Rom. xvi.25, 27.
TO God the only wise,
Who keeps us by his word,
Be glory now and evermore
Thro' Jesus Christ our Lord.
II. 2 Cor. xiii.14.
The grace of Christ our Lord,
The Father's boundless love,
The Spirit's blest communion too
Be with us from above.
III. Mat. xxi.9. John i.14.
Hosanna to the WORD
Who from the Father came,
Ascribe salvation to the Lord
And ever bless his name.
Hallelujah Metre.
I. 1 John iv.19—Gal. iii.13—Col. i.12.
TO him who lov'd us first
Before the world began,
[Page 331]To him who bore the curse
To sa [...] rebellious man.
To him who forms
Our souls for heaven;
Be endless praise
And glory given.
II. Mat. xxi.9—Acts v.13—Phil. ii.1 [...].
Hosanna to the king
Of David's royal blood,
Behold he comes to bring
Forgiving grace from God▪
Upon his head,
Shall honours re [...];
And every tongue
Pro [...]nce him blest.
III. Heb. i.6—Rev. [...].11, 1 [...].
With angels round the throne
And saints who dwell above,
We join to praise the Son
And sing his wondrous love.
Worthy the lamb
Who once was slain,
O'er heaven and earth
To live and reign.
[Page 332]
IV. 1 Cor. xv.47—Col. i.18—Acts v.31.
To Christ the Lord from heaven,
The first-born from the dead;
The prince of life, be glory given,
And wide his kingdom spread;
Through earth's extent
His honours raise;
And all consent,
His name to praise.
[Page]
INDEX to the Matter of each PSALM and HYMN.
p. stands for Psalm. h. for Hymn. The figures refer not to the Pages but to the Number of each Psalm and Hymn.
- ABRAHAM, the Promise to him fulfilled, p. 105.
- —, extended to the Gentiles, h. 74, 111.
- Adam the First and Second, p. 8, h. 291.
- Adoption, h. 35.
- Affliction, p. 119, 12th part, 14th part.
- — the cure of Folly h. 164.
- — Divine Goodness in, h. 190.
- — Submission to, h. 214.
- Age, Consolations of, p. 71. h. 55.
- AMERICAN Revolution, p. 75.
- Angels, their Ministry to Christ, h. 211.
- — Song, h. 104.
- — Worship, p. 103, 4th pt.
B
- BAPTISM, by Immersion, h. 127.
- — of Infants, h. 111, 159, 221, 252.
- Beatitudes, h. 37.
- Better part, h. 36.
- Blessings Spiritual, p. 81, 106. h. 107.
- — and Temporal p. 139, 4th p [...].
- Body Frail, h. 147.
- — Wonderfully made, p. 139, 5th pt.
C
- CANAAN Heavenly, p. 107.
- — Lost, p. 95.
- Captivity, p. 137.
- Charity, p. 37, 41, 112. h. 39, 135, 145, 192.
- — Greater than Faith or Hope, h. 149.
- Child, Death of, h. 142, 228.
- [Page 334]Children D [...]voted to God, h. 252.
- — Religious Education of, p. 78.
- — Christ's Regard to. h. 221.
- CHRIST his Ascension, p. 2 [...], 68. h. 17, 103.
- Seen of Angels, h. 211.
- Branch of David, h. 6.
- Bread of Life, h 141.
- Bridegroom of the Church, p. 45.
- his Cross, our Glory, h. 21, 274.
- his Commission, h. 101, 253.
- his Compassion, h. 182, 251, 292.
- his Conquest and Triumph, h. 163.259.
- his Eternity, p. 102.
- his Example, p. 109. h. 14, 167.
- his Exaltation, p. 2. h. 17, 62.
- his Grace and Glory, h. 187.
- the Head of his Church, h. 139.
- his Humiliation, h. 239.
- the Image of God, h. 244.
- his Intercession, h. 185.
- his Invitation, h. 46.
- his Kingdo [...] p. 2, 72, 98. h. 194.
- the King of [...] 48.
- the Lamb of God▪ [...] 30, 44.
- our Life, h. 271, 280▪
- his Mission and Sacrifice, p. 40.
- the Morning Star, h. 6.
- his Nativity, h. 31, 104, 223, 282.
- his Obedience to Death, p. 69.
- Opening the Sealed Book, h. 9.
- his Offices and Names, h. 140.
- Precious in Life and Death, h. 133.
- his Priesthood p. 110. h. 188.
- his Pre-existence, and Incarnation, h. 27▪
- the Physician of the Soul, h. 50.
- a Prince and Saviour, h 62.
- his Resurrection, p. 2, 16. h. 2, 17, 29, 105.
- Salvation by him, p 85. h. 138.
- the Same Yesterday to Day and Forever, h. 294.
- [Page 335]CHRIST a Shepherd, h. 2 [...]7.
- the Sight of him in Heaven, h. 51▪
- the Spirit his Gift, p. 68, 72.
- our Strength and Righteousness p. 71.
- his Sufferings and Glory, p, 22, 69. h. 126.
- the Sun of Righteousness, h. 87.
- the Supreme beauty, h. 225.
- his Victory and Dominion, h. 26 [...].
- the Victory of his Death, h. 132.
- the Way to God, h. 130.
- the Wisdom of God, h. 222.
- Christian's Farewell, h. 295.
- — Race h. 25, 175.
- Church the Birth place of Saints, p. 87.
- the Bride of Christ, p. 45. h. 137.
- Jewish and Christian Compared, p. 132.
- its Glory and Defence, h. 95.
- our Safety and Delight, p. 27, 93. h. 110, 198.
- Citizen of Zion, p. 15.
- Colonies Planted and Punished, p. 107.
- Common Mercies, h. 90.
- Compassion and Forgiveness, h. 121.
- — for Sinful Men, p. 119, 5th pt.
- Complaint and Hope, p. 143.
- Communion with God, h. 203, 210.
- — with Christ, h. 258▪
- Condescension of God, p. 8, 113. h. 250.
- Confession and Pardon, p. 32. h. 174.
- Confidence in God, p. 7, 18, 27, 28, 31, 34, 52, 56, 57, 146. h. 89, 275.
- Conscience Testimony of, h. 24 [...] ▪
- — Peace of, h. 283.
- Consolation in Christ, h. 138.
- — in Death, p. 38.
- — in Providence, p. 77.
- Conviction of Sin, h. 154.
- Contrite Heart, h. 206.
- Corruption Moral, p. 12, 14, 53.
- Contentment, p. 131.
- [Page 336]Covenant of Grace, p. 89. h. 129, 169, 236.
- Creation Old and New, p. 8. h. 20, 217.
- — and Providence, p. 33. h. 61, 85, 160.
- Creatures Vain and God all Sufficient, p. 33.62.
- — their Voice Proclaiming God, p. 104.
D
- DARKNESS Walking in, h. 103.
- Death, p. 38, 39, 88, 89, 90. h. 153.
- —, the End of the Christian's Course, h. 4 [...], 2 [...].
- —, and the Resurrection, h. 287.
- —, Triumph over, h. 15, 270.
- Decency, h. 33.
- Devotion, h. 284.
- — by Day and Night, p. 1, 134.
- Direction Divine asked, p. 25.
- Discipline Fatherly, h. 108, 273.
- Distress Relieved, p. 31, 40, 126, 142.
- — Faith in Time of, h. 224.
- Doubts and Fears Suppressed, p. 3.
E
- ENEMIES Deliverance from, p. 54, 59, 70, 124, 126, 140.
- — Complaint against, p. 120.
- — Love to, p. 109.
- Envy, Cured p. 37.
- Evening, p. 4. h. 125, 201.
F
- FAITH Correcting Impatience, p. 55.
- Encouraged, p. 9.
- in the Names of God, h. 226.
- in the Promise of Salvation, h. 28.
- in the Redeemer's Sacrifice, h. 161.
- in a Time of Distress, h. 224.
- Living and Dead, h. 166.
- Triumphant, h. 286.
- Walking by, h. 63.
- Family Duties and Blessings, p. 128.
- — Religion, p. 101.
- Fast in War, p. 20, 44.
- Fear of God, h. 82.
- [Page 337]Feast Gospel, h. 114, 118, 234, 299.
- Forgiveness Sought, p. 25.
- Fortitude, h. 13.
- Funeral Thought, h. 99.
G
- GOD, his All-seeing Eye, p. 1 [...]9, 2d pt. 6th pt.
- All Sufficient, p. 33, 62, 73.
- his Approbation of the Just, p. 24.
- his Care of his People, p. 76.
- his Compassion to Sinners, h. 182.
- his Condescension, p. 8, 113. h. 250.
- our Creator, p. 139, 3d pt. h. 172.
- his Eternity, p. 90.
- exalted above all Praise, h. 58.
- his Eternal Counsels, h. 141.
- his Faithfulness, h. 111.159.
- his Goodness, p. 36, 56, 57, 66, 68, 145, 146. h. 59, 158, 254, 296.
- his Grace in Christ, h. 218.
- his Holiness and Sovereignty, p. 93, 97.
- his Justice, p. 11, 18, 68. h. 117.
- his Incomprehensibility, h. 41▪ 42.
- known by his Works, p. 19, 136. h. 9 [...].
- his Majesty, p. 29.
- his Mercy in Judgment, p. 103.
- his Various Names, h. 226.
- his Name Proclaimed to Moses, h. 19.
- his Perfections and Works, p. 111, 136, 145.
- our Portion and Hope, p. 73. h. 1 [...]8.
- his Power, p. 66, 93, 145. h. 117.
- his Presence Mortifying us to the World, h. 43.
- his Regard to our Weakness, p. 103.
- our Shepherd, p. 23.
- the Searcher of Hearts, p. 139, 6th pt.
- transforming Vision of, p. 17.
- his Unity and Sovereignty, p. [...]6, 135. h. [...].
- his Unchangeableness, p. 102.1 [...]6. h. 86.
- his Universal Presence, p. 139, 1st pt.
- his W [...]om, p. 11 [...], 139, 3d pt. h. 8.
- [Page 338]Good out of Evil, 202.
- Gospel Blessed, p. 89. h. 131.
- its Excellency, h. 75.
- its Power and Triumph, h. 163.
- its Success, h. 65, 88.
- not Ashamed of it, h. 122.
- Grace and Glory. p. 97.
- Gratitude, p. 91. h. 57, 78, 170, 266, 267.
- Grave Destroyed, h. 262.
- Gravity in Deportment, h. 33.
H.
- HAPPINESS in God, p. 3.
- — and Misery, p. 1, 37.
- Heaven, p. 24. h. 45, 47, 180, 238.
- —, Longing for, h. 193.
- Holiness, p. [...]4, 119, 10th & 11th pt. h. 229.
- Hope, p. 43. h. 173, 230, 293.
- House of Prayer, h. 84.
- Humility, p. 131. h. 73, 250.
- Hypocrity, p. 50. h. 76, 248.
I
- IDOLATRY, p. 115, 135.
- Impatience, p. 55.
- Imitation of God's Goodness, h. 83.
- Influence Divine, h. 171.
- Insurrection, p. 64.
- Intemperance, p. 107, 3d pt.
- Intercession of Christ, h. 185.
- Israel's Journey, p. 106, 107, 1st pt. 114.
- Ignorance of Man, h. 32.
J
- JACOB's Vow, h. 205.
- Jerusalem New, h. 165.
- Joy Heavenly, h. 47.
- — and Grat [...]tude, h. 57.
- Jubilee, h. 40, 162.
- Judgment Final, p. 50. h. 279.
- Justice, h. 120.
- — of God, p. 18.
[Page 339]
K
- KINGDOM of Christ, p. 98. h. 194, 264.
- Knowledge of God, p. 119, 9th pt.
L
- LAW and Gospel, h. 235.
- Life, its Shortness, p. 90. h. 116, 231.
- — its Value, h. 153.
- Looking at things unseen, h. 288.
- Lord's Day, p. 5, 19, 63, 92, 118, 122. h. 18, 24, 157, 263.
- — Prayer, h. 66.
- — Supper, h. 134, 242, 258, 260.
- Love Brotherly, p. 133. h. 72, 196.
- — of God to the Church, h. 186.
- — to God, h. 97.—and Man, h. 2 [...]9.
- — to the Saviour ardent, h. 52.
M
- MAGISTRATES warned, p. 82, 94.
- Marriage, p. 128. h. 177, 289.
- — of the Lamb, h. 10.
- Meditation, h. 168.
- Meekness, h. 108.
- Mercy before Sacrifice, h. 248, 281.
- Michael and the Dragon, h. 146.
- Ministers ordained, h. 70, 233. See Gospel.
- — Watchmen, h. 107.
- — their Sickness, h. 204.
- — their Death, h. 184.
- — their Fidelity rewarded, h. 2 [...]7.
- Moderation, h. 96.
- Morning, h. 201.
- Mortification, h. 43.
- Moses and the Lamb, Song of, h. 109.
- — and Christ, h. 235.
N
- NATIONAL blessings, p. 8 [...].
- Nature Beauties of, p. 147. h. 12.
- — God of, h. 92.
- — and Scripture, p. 19.
- [Page 340]Nature voice of, p. 19. h. 158, 241.
- New Birth, h. 261.
O
- OBEDIENCE, p. 22. h. 195.
- Obligations and Privileges, h. 53.
- Oppression, p. 10.
- Ordinances, h. 26.
P
- PARDON, p. 130. h. 113, 276.
- Patience, h. 212.
- Peace and Consolation, h. 213.
- — and Plenty, p. 144.
- — and War, p. 46.
- Persecution, p. 83. h. 1.
- Pillar in the Heavenly Temple, h. 7.
- Poor in Spirit, h. 297.
- Praise from all Creatures, p. 148.
- — without ceasing, h. 79.
- — to Christ, h. 30, 93.
- — for Deliverance, p. 116.
- — for Divine Goodness, p. 68, 100, 103, 136, 146. h. 124.
- — Universal, p. 47, 67, 96, 108, 117, 138, 150.
- Prayer, p. 95. — heard p. 30, 66, 102.
- — Importunate, h. 209. — Universal, h. 67.
- Preparation for Worship, h. 64.
- Pride, h. 12.
- Prisoners relieved, p. 107.
- Privileges and Obligations, h. 53.
- Prodigal Son, h. 34.
- Promise to Believers and their Children, h. 159, 252.
- Prosperity and Adversity, h. 216.
- — Dangerous, p. 73, h. 179.
- — from God, p. 127.
- Protection Divine, p. 90, 91, 121, 138, 144, 256, 257.
- — in Foreign Countries, h. 106.
- Providence, p. 36, 61, 65, 74, 104, 136. h. 81, 160.
- — Ancient. p. 7 [...].
- — its Ju [...]ti [...] p. [...].
- [Page 341]Providence mysterious, h. 80.
- — over Man and Beast, h. 232, 254.
- Prudence, h. 68, 208.
Q
- QUICKENING Grace, p. 119, 13th pt.
R
- RACE Christian, h. 25, 175.
- Rain, p. 65, 104. h. 69.
- — Divine influence compared to, p. 72.
- Reanimation, p. 88. h. 285.
- Recovery from sickness, p. 30, 118. h. 155.
- Redemption, h. 136.
- Relief from Distress, p. 31.
- Religion vain without Love, h. 91.
- — Gratitude its spring, h. 170.
- — its pleasures, h. 278.
- — in Youth, h. 94.
- Repentance, p. 32, 51, 119, 3d pt. 130. h. 34, 113, 293.
- — and Hope, h. 173, 276.
- Reproof Brotherly, p. 141.
- Resignation, p. 91. h. 202, 231.
- — in death, h. 265.
- Rest to Weary Souls, h. 46.
- Resolutions Holy, p. 119, 11th pt. h. 3.
- Resurrection, p. 17, 71, 89. h. 38, 112, 287.
- — of Christ p. 16. h. 2.
- — of the Martyrs, h. 240.
- Retirement, h. 168.
- Reverence of God, p. 99.
- Riches their Vanity, p. 49.
- Righteous their Happiness, p. 1, 37, 10 [...].
- Rulers Wicked, p. 94.
S
- SABBATH Eternal, h. 157.
- Safety in God, p. 61. Sec Confidence.
- Saints departed, their blessedness, h. 98.
- Salvation, p. 85, 118. h. 28.
- — by Grace, h. 189, 220.
- [Page 342]Savages deliverance from, p. 59.
- Scripture. See Word of God.
- Seamen's prayer p. 104, 2d pt. 107, 4th pt. h. 10 [...].
- Seasons changing, p. 147, 148.
- — fruitful, p. 63. h. 69.
- Self dependence, h. 81.
- — examination, p. 26. h. 246.
- Serpent Brazen, h. 227.
- Shepherd God's Character, p. 23.
- — Christ's Character, h. 247.
- Sickness, p. 6, 30. h. 176.
- Sinai and Sion, h. 183, 233.
- Sincerity, p. 18. h. 150.
- — and Hypocrisy, h. 76.
- Sons of God, h. 181.
- Spirit of God, p 68, 72. h. 60,
- — [...]s influences, [...]78.
- Spiritual Blessings and Punishments, p. 81.
- Spring, h. 119, 268.
- Storm. See Thunder.
- Strength and Joy, p. 1 [...]8.
- — from God, h. 209.
- Submission, p. 123. h. 11, 178, 200, 214.
- Syro-Phenician Woman, h. 5.
T
- Table in the Wilderness, p. 78.
- Te Deum, h. 107.
- Tempest. See Thunder.
- — the Last, h. 279.
- Temptation, p. 13. h. 23.
- Thanksgiving, p. 18, 78, 149.
- Thief Peni [...]nt, h. 290.
- Thirsting after God, h. 272.
- Thunder, p. 29, 104, 1st pt. h. 143, 156.
- Time redeemed, h. 77, 207.
- Treasure in Earthen Vessels, h. 1 [...]5.
- Trial and Safety, p. 125.
- — of Virtue, h. 215.
- [Page 343]Truth, h. 131.
- Tyrants and Oppressors, p. 58.
U
- UNBELIEF, p. 95.
- Uncharitable Judgment, h. 8.
- Union of Christ and his Church, h. 137.
- Universal Prayer, h. 67.
V
- Victory, p. 18. — over Death, h. 270.
- — and Dominion of Christ, h. 264.
- Vineyard of God, p. 80.
- Virtues of a Christian, p. 15, 119, 1st pt. — trial of h. 215.
- Vision of the Lamb, h. 9.
- Volume of Nature and Scripture, p. 19.
W
- WAR, p. 20, 44. — and Peace, p. 46.
- — Disappointment in, p. 60. — Devastation of, p. 79.
- Warrior Christian, h. 102.
- Watchfulness and Prayer, h. 4.
- — and Reproof, p. 141.
- Wicked their Misery, p. 1.37.
- Winter, p. 147, 148. h. 191.
- Wisdom Divine, h. 61.
- — Voice of, h. 100, 255.
- — Ways of, h. 199.
- Word of God Delight in it, p. 119, 6th, 7th, 8th, pt [...].
- — its Excellency, p. 19. h. 71, 142.
- — Instruction from it, p. 119, 4th pt.
- Works Good, p. 16, 37.
- Worship Public, p. 42, 48, 63, 65, 84, 89, 95, 99, 122. h. 64.
Y
- YEAR New, h. 16, 56, 219.
- Youth, p. 119, 2d pt.
Z
- ZEAL True and False, h. 300.
- Zion its Beauties and Pleasures, p. 138.
- [Page 344]COMMUNION Hymns, 126, 114, 118, 132, 134, 16 [...]. 236, 242, 258, 260, 274, 299.
- Christmas, h. 31, 104, 223, 282.
- Easter, p. 2, 16. h. 2, 17, 29, 105.
- Good Friday, p. 22, 69. h. 126, 274.
- Whitsunday, p. 68, 72. h. 60, 278.
- Ascension, p. 24, 68. h. 17, 105.
- Humane Society—See Reanimation.
N. B. The Hymns are placed in the alphabetical order of their initial letters.
FINIS.